What's the limit for cart upgrade/VPI Scout?

Thanks, Doug for your kind reply. You told me essentially what I expected to hear. I am getting really good performance out of this set-up now, by the way, after placing a Brightstar Audio BigRock under the table, and spring suspension under that, as recommended by DGarretson in a previous thread. Very effective at de-coupling the table-platform from the rest of the world. I guess that's what prompted my question. Thanks again, Dan

Hello, Arnold. I'm not a very good person to ask much of in the way of vinyl, as I just got back into this side of the playback chain after leaving it behind 18 years ago, in the hopes that digital had all the answers. It turns out that analogue is much better now than I remember it. I think the Dorian works well in the Scout, in spite of it being lower in mass than is strictly recommended by VPI. It is fast, highly detailed, and very dynamic. It takes some time , however, to get it dialed in for VTA and azimuth. After you get it, though, you'll see that your efforts are very much worth the effort. I don't know if you read my reply to Doug Deacon's post, but I recently put my table on a Brightstar Audio BigRock platform, put spring suspension under that. It made such a difference in how good this set-up sounds that it prompted my question about how good a cartridge you could use before you run out of table. I hope this helps, I need much more advice than I can give, but good luck, and enjoy. Dan

Wow, I really hit paydirt on this thread! Thanks Jonathan, and Doug, and Kehut, and dodgealum, and Dave, for your contributions to my continuing education in things vinyl. I have been thinking about getting a speed controller, but the two most recommended, the SDS and Walker, are more than I can spring for at the moment. Anyone know of a lower cost alternative to the above controllers? Thanks again, Dan

I forgot to address the tt set-up issue, I don't know of anyone in my area that's reputed to be a set-up guru. I live on Whidbey Island, about 100 miles N.W. of Seattle. If there is somebody out there in this area, I would like to hear about it. I do feel pretty confident about my set-up, having listened intently while making very small adjustments until things just popped into focus, and there was a big difference when that occurred. But, little things seem to make a big difference, so I would be willing to have it checked out. Thanks all, Dan

Hi Jeff, sent email to you already, but I realized I didn't address the GCPH issue. I think they are a real bargain-I got mine here on A'gon for 600 bucks, in brand new condidition. It sounds extemely good, depending on recording, even besting my digital gear, which has been highly modified to perform at a completely different level, so in my mind, I find that impressive. I'm thinking of having it upgraded (like the rest of my gear) by David Schulte. Hope that helps, enjoy, Dan

Haven't paid any attention to this thread, didn't know there was any recent postings. Beerdraft, did you get your tracking problems resolved? As far as speed control, it's on the back burner for the moment. As to how much cartridge the Scout/JMW9 Memorial arm can handle, I have answered that question myself. Since my last post, I aquired here on A'gon a very low-hour Dynavector XX2MKII cart. With some diligent dialing-in, I am in love with what I am hearing now. I believe I can happily live for a while without any more messing about, until I can afford a better table. Thanks to input from many of you, especially you, Dgarrettson, I have found out just how good the stock Scout really is, and that's not too shabby. I decided to find out why Harry Weisfield prefers Dynavector cartridges, and getting the XX2MKII at a good price, and I believe it is just now breaking in, it's a great combination. If I had had this set-up 18 years ago, I would have never gotten out of vinyl listening. Thanks again, all,

Dan