My impression of VPI Scout


Guys,
I'd like share my impression of VPI Scout player.
I have been looking for a new TT in $1000...1500 range.
Rega P25 and Scout are on my list of contenders.
I was able to audition VPI Scout and Rega P3 tables pretty much in very similar systems. P25 was not available.
I was very obvious that Scout is more neutral and extended on both freq. extremes. Low end was better delineated and rich. I'd say that it also had better, deeper and wider soundstage. Rega sounded more uptight with more confused soundstage. Interesting part was that Rega had more speed and rhythm then scout. I have listened to some rhythmic jazz and Rega always had more drive and better pace. For some reason Scout was too polite and smooth to express ups and downs of musical dance. I was expecting more of PRAT from Scout. I don't know if this was a poor system setup issue of something else.
I'd love to hear from Scout owners (or audio gurus) if you think Scout is more rhythmic player then Rega P25 or P3.
Any comments will be much appreciated.

Thanks
Sergey

PS: I think, Scout had one of Benz Micro Cartridges ( It had M2 written on it ) and Rega had usual Elyse.
gurevise

Showing 1 response by stevecham

Psychicanimal, your assertion that the Rega is more pitch stable makes little sense to me. Motor torque issues aside, because the Rega platter is driven by the subplatter at a radius much smaller than the VPI that is driven by the outer circumference of the platter, the angular momentum imparted by the platter on the motor pulley is much greater for the Rega than it is for the VPI. Thus, what variables are contributed to the platter/belt/motor pulley on the Rega by the LP/cartridge will exceed those of the VPI configuration.