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Better than Aries Scout?: the New VPI Scoutmaster

Just noticed some listings for a new VPI product: the Scoutmaster, which apparently falls between the Scout and Aries in their turntable line. Anyone have a chance to listen to this one? Opinions? Based on my own audition, along with all the positive opinion here, I was pretty set on the Scout, but this looks interesting as well. My Rega P2/Blue Point is getting very tired, and it's time for a meaningful upgrade... How do I spend my $2K budget? Rest of system is Linn LK1/LK2--Spendor SP1/2E. Nottingham-folk especially welcome to chime in. All insights most welcome and appreciated.

Jim
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Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Hi Jim, I'd suggest the following:

ARM - keep the arm from your P2
It's an RB250, right? There's simply no better arm in this price range, and it's free! It's way better than the table and cartridge you're using at the moment. The RB250 will mount easily on many other tables and, if there's money left over, there are worthwhile performance upgrades available from Origin Live, Expressimo and others. This is an easy recommendation.

TURNTABLE - Teres 135 ($1575) or preferably the 150 ($1775)
I don't know if you're familiar with Teres but you won't find a better line of TT's between $1500 and $5000. No one's heard a Scoutmaster yet AFAIK, but comparing specs makes the similarly priced Teres models look awfully good. Just one example: many Scout and Aries owners have realized meaningful performance improvements by replacing their VPI motors with the Teres motor, which is better in every way. You owe it to yourself to give them a look.

That leaves $225-425 for a cartridge. The best choices will depend somewhat on your phono stage. Others here know cartridges in this price range better than I do. I'm sure they can help.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jim,

The only difference between a "kit" Teres and a "complete" one is sanding/polishing. Otherwise they're identical.

Assembling a Teres is simple. No machining, no drilling, no engineering. I can't think of a high end TT that's easier.

Chris Brady will drill the armboard hole for you. Tell him you want a 25mm hole for a Rega arm + VTA adjuster. If you just say "Rega" he'll drill it 24mm and you'll have no room for a VTA sleeve.

The only critical assembly stage is installing the bearing. No tools are required but you must follow the instructions carefully. (You can download these from the website if you want to preview them.)

Setting the angle of the armboard is important but very easy. Just measure, hold and tighten up one bolt. Aligning your cartridge will be much more difficult, but that's true on any TT. That's a seperate discussion of course.

Hope this is more helpful than confusing. Welcome to high end vinyl madness.

Doug
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