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Scout Owners: How Much Cartridge?

Just curious how much you would invest in a cartridge for this table. At what price point does the table become a limiting factor in terms of what you can get out of a cartridge. I'm currently using a Dynavector 20XM but am thinking of an upgrade. Should I be considering a new table (perhaps further up the VPI line) or can the Scout (mine has the 300rpm motor upgrade) handle a much better cartridge and still get the most out of it? Thanks.
dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Unless you've owned dozens of turntables and tonearms it's disingenuous for an amateur to deem VPI overachievers.

I owned a Scout and have taken a couple Scoutmasters in on trade. The build quality is average and the performance vis a vis their competition is also average, nothing more or less. My position on the tonearms is quite clear and I won't belabor that point again. Overachiever is hardly a term an experienced hobbyist/retailer would use.

Unless of course you owned or sold them.

Dealer disclaimer.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Nottingham, among a dozen others, would be a great choice.

Dynavectors match very well with VPI arms as you indicate Dan. The Scout I owned was equipped with a 20X(H) and it performed reasonably well but from a value standpoint below average IMO.

The Scoutmasters I took in on trade came with Benz and Clearaudio cartridges respectively. The Clearaudio was ok but the Benz Glider/JMW-9 combo was much too austere for my taste. I'm not a big Benz fan to begin with so that was no surprise. Much like VPI, I think there are much better values at every price point.

YMMV
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