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Is there a better table than S. Scoutmaster Ref ?

Here is the question:
Is there a turntable out there that is better or just as good as the fully decked out Super Scoutmaster Reference w/Rim drive, that costs less money?
It seems that the weak point of the VPI SSM Ref may be the arm. Perhaps there are tables out there for less money that have better arms that sound and perform better?
jbcello

Showing 2 responses by semi

semi
649 posts
 
I have the exact VPI you are referring to and I see two ways to "improve" the sound.

I don't like the fact VPI arm has to go thru many connections before reaching phono stage. I will be building a cable myslef with female Lemo on one end and male RCA on the other. simple to construct, doesn't cost much to build, should be a good upgrade in sound.

as to adding a 2nd arm, as long as your shelf is large enough you can "place" a 2nd arm on the back sitting in a heavy pod of some kind. German table Musical Life is built that way, the arm simply sits in a pod next to the table. another option is to build an arm board that's attached to the left rear feet or bearing nut.

if there are enough interest out there, we probably can get machine shop to build some at a discount.
semi
649 posts
 
Connections always degrade sound, can be in the form of high freq distortion like brightness or edginess or as my friend called "coherence" which alter the phase/timing and make an instrument sounds "broken". I can attest to the first form of distortion, this can easily be heard especially if setup is not perfect.

I am surprise not many people are interested in this simple mod...
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