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VPI Prime or Scout or ???

Hi all,

I’m new to record players. I’ve always been a digital music person. That said, I’ve got s nice setup now and am looking for a record player for occasional records. I won’t be too serious about it and digital will remain my main source.

i know with some of the higher end players there is a learning curve but was hoping for something not too difficult to learn.

Being from NJ, I was pretty interested in VPI. I’m not sure I quite understand the differences between the Prime and Prime Scout. The Prime would probably be near the top of my budget. Also, I have no idea which cartridge to get. 

For context, I’ll mostly be listening to vintage jazz and rock. The turntable would feed into the Phono stage of my Mytek Manhattan. Any suggestions welcome! There is a pretty good deal on a Prime Scout I’m looking at so that’s why I figured I’d ask the experienced people here.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest

Showing 11 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
In my opinion....

Prime.  Might as well pop for the real package rather than paying more to upgrade in the future.  And you WILL want to upgrade eventually.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
What kind of preamp / phono section do you have?
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
My opinion....

Might want to consider a Soundsmith Otello.  I opine that you might want to be a little careful about "warm" sound.  It can get congested and mask some desirable detail and tight timing.  
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
So when did you compare the arms head-to-head?  Or are you just stating an opinion based on a lack of actual objectivity?
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
@roberjerman 

My opinion is that the SA-750 isn't even close to ANY VPI arms.  I have owned both.  The VPI is so much better as to defy casual comparison.

Which VPI arms have you owned and testes head-to-head with a SA-750?  
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
Your money, your call. The VERY BEST thing to do is listen to the tables and carts to determine what will be best for YOU.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
AMEN to @1graber2 .  From personal experience, VPI is VERY good to work with and I live 1,000 miles away.  They do want customers to work with local dealers, but will make an "accommodation" to make sure customer's needs are met.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
@gochurchgo - A VPI Prime Scout table will perform better than stock just by putting the plinth on solid cones or Bear Claw footers and getting the table OFF of the feet VPI provides.  VPI feet lower the performance of these otherwise very good tables.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
@mayoradamwest - Yes, it will sound much better than a similarly priced rega.  
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
My opinion based on years of experience....

Let's compare rega tables against similarly priced competition.  Sine they are mentioned above, we can look at the RP8 and RP6 as examples using Acoustic Sounds web site as a reference....

RP8 ($3000 - $4200) compared to a Clearaudio Performance DC ($3600), VPI Prime / 3D tonearm ($4000) or VPI CLassic 1 / 2 ($3300 - $4000). Is the stock RP8 anywhere close to any of these tables?  Is it competitive in performance with these tables as delivered STOCK?

RP6 ($2000 - $2200)? VPI Prime Scout ($2200), Clearaudio Concept ($1800). Does the stock rega come in anywhere above a very distant third?    



bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
@gochurchgo - 

My opinion....

Everything else being equal, my opinion on the listed tables is that it would be either the Clearaudio Performance or the Prime / 3D arm.  I think the 3D arm on the Prime would push the VPI ahead.  IMO, a good arm seems to make a difference in a cartridge's ability to reproduce tight, popping dynamics.

Just my opinion.   

I wish I had more experience with the Technics tables.  It is a line I confess a minimum of familiarity. 

 
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