Getting The Most Out Of My Scout


Hi Folks:

For a variety of reasons I've decided, for now, to keep my VPI Scout and upgrade my cartridge from a Dynavector 20XM to a Dynavector XX2MKII. Before my cartridge arrives and I make the change I'd like to make sure I'm getting the most possible performance out of my Scout. I am aware of the following upgrades that are available through VPI:

300 RPM Motor (I have this already)
Super Platter and Bearing
HRX Mini Feet
JMW9T Arm (with Nordost wiring?)
Stainless Steel Clamp
SDS Speed Control

Are there any I am forgetting?

Here is my question: Which of the available upgrades will provide the biggest performance improvement? If anyone cares to rank order the upgrade options that would be great.

Final question: I am interested in using a better set up jig (better than the stock one from VPI) when I install the new Dyna XX2MKII. Which of those available allow the best cartridge alignment for this table? I've seen a few out there but cannot tell which would be the best to use.

Thanks for your help!
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by maczurak

You have the Scout on a wall shelf mounted to the upper portion of your cabinet. Have you tried placing TT on a solid table somewhere else in your room? I wonder if this might allow you to gain some additional performace from what you already have.

I have completed the following for my stock Scout:

- 300 RPM Motor
- Signature Tonearm
- Super Platter
- ring clamp
- silk thread belt drive
- PS Audio P300 (speed regulation)
- ZYX Fuji cart

I use a solid oak end table having spikes on the legs for isolation and leveling. The table is mass loaded with LPs. A solid maple block has been placed on the table and isolated using some Sorbothane pucks I had laying around. The motor sits on a piece of slate isolated by smaller pieces of Sorbothane I cut from a sheet purchased some time ago.

This performs way better than anticipated so the only thing I will do in the near future is to the get an SDS one day. I think the best thing I did was to place the TT on the end table and add the maple block.

Another TT will be several years down the road as there is no hurry at the moment.