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VPI Scoutmaster vs. Pro-ject RM10

I had a chance to listen to a VPI Scout friday and was sorely disappointed. I had the salesman play a Rega P3 and it was no contest. I finally convinced him that the VTA must be off. I placed the rega felt mat on the VPI and it cleared up considerably. But was it VTA or the felt mat or both?? I like the way the VPI is built is seems like it would provide years of service. But I would like to hear a Pro-ject RM10 and don't have a dealer locally that has one set up for demo. Has anyone ever compared these two? The scout sounded muffled and uncontrolled in the bass. Again the mat helped but is that a characteristic of VPI? Do they traditionally sound hard or conjested? I understand that the Pro-Ject arm is a real nice arm and the magnetic bearing is appealing but before I plop down 3K I would like some input on what to expect.
128x128theo

Showing 2 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 
This is an isolation issue, muffled and uncontrolled are not terms I would use in regard to this model of VPI. Hardness is not a term I would use with VPI either. They can sound congested when not using proper isolation.

I've experimented with many platforms, properly draining internal and external vibrations is manadatory. The uncontrolled and muffled bass you're hearing is a symptom of vibrations being reintroduced into tt.

Wall mount necessary with springy floors. Sandbox, Symposium, Nuance, etc. platforms with either stand or wall mounting. I never use anything springy directly underneath mass loaded tt designs. Still waiting for a good explanation of using any suspension under VPI's.
sns
3,003 posts
 
Stanwall, that's interesting, I suspect the thick rubber washer is acting a bit like a suspension, re-introducing vibration back into tt. I'm going to try taking my rubber washers off, wonder why Harry uses them?

I've been thinking of using Aurios or Stillpoints under my tt, still sympathetic movements may create asynchronous movment, re-introducing vibrations again.

Perhaps directly coupling spikes is the best answer. Metallurgy of spikes may be an issue as well, brass coupled to the aluminum top plate on my sandbox may not be best, two dissimilar metals. Still, maximizing mass in the spikes would seem to dissipate vibrations more fully. Looking for the exact sonic improvements you mentioned, think I'll try the Star Sounds.
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