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VPI Scout

I picked up a Scout saturday.(my wife gave me the thumbs up) It has a Benz Micro Glider high output cart. Did I do good? The uni-pivot arm is really scary, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
Am I set for a few years with the TT cart combo? Right now I am using the Creek MM phono stage, (which I feel is under rated) but I am planning on adding a phono stage to my BAT VK31SE. Any other advise from VPI owners?
I am excited about this purchase, but I can't talk to any of my freinds about it. They think I am already crazy for getting into this expensive hobby. They just don't understand my(our)obsession. At least my wife is accepting, her nickname is "the saint".
Jeff
jdodmead

Showing 6 responses by wc65mustang

wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Chazzbo: Thanks for your comments. I've seen the Machina Dynamica Promethean but haven't heard much about it. At full retail it's about $150 more than the Gingko Cloud 10. However, there is substantial discounting on the Gingko if you search a little; I haven't checked actual selling price of the Promethean.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
I have a Scout with the Dynavector 20hX and just replaced my Creek phono stage with a Graham Slee Era Gold Mark V. I'm not sure the Creek is underrated; after all it's only a couple hundred bucks but you'll be stunned at how much detail you're missing when you replace it with something better.
The VPI 16.5 is nice but if you don't mind using a little elbow grease get the Disk Doctor's cleaning brushes and solution along with the Nitty Gritty Record DoctorII and spend the other $200 on some new vinyl. Just my opinion.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Check out Walter at Underwood Hi Fi. Since the very favorable review in 1/04 Stereophile you may have to wait a bit to get one. At the price, I believe it is certainly one of the best values available. Furthermore, many folks say it is the best phono stage under 2K. I wouldn't make that claim as I haven't heard enough of the competition. It is, however, a sweet sounding piece. Rumor has the price increasing soon.
It is designed for high ouput mc's or mm's of 2-10mV however there is a matching head amp called the Elevator which enables it to accept all mc cartridges. Good luck and good listening.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Doc: As long as you're in a spending mode :>) be sure to check out the SDS for your Scout; makes a significant improvement in an already sweet turntable IMO.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Doc: Very tough to find a used SDS; most of them last only a few hours on Agon. Good luck and good listening.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Anybody using the Gingko Cloud 10 isolation platform with their Scout? Just wondering. Gingko quotes HW's favorable comments in their ads.
FYI, there is also a very nice looking dust cover that matches the isolation platform.
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