1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 197047-112139

Seeking to upgrade from my Prime Scout turntable

I currently have VPI Prime Scout entry level turntable with a Dynavector 20X2-H/L cartridge. My dealer recommended the VPI Prime 21 which retails for $5500.00. Does anybody own the VPI Prime 21, and do you believe that I would notice a positive difference in sound quality that is worth the upgrade? Any thoughts would be appreciated. The rest of my system consists of Vandersteen 5A loudspeakers, h Thor Audio TP-150 mono block power amplifiers,(just replaced 16 tubes, 8 per side with Mullard New Production el-34 tubes and am pleased with the sound.) The rest of the system is a Thor Audio Linestage and a Thor Audio Phone stage, and a Marantz SACD player. All of the Thor components sound great, but noteThor went out of business many years ago. I mentioned my system as it is highly resolving so I figured a turntable upgrade may be noticeable in a positive way. Thank you. 

kjl1065
bimmerlover's avatar
bimmerlover
158 posts
 

Does anyone love unipivot tonearms?

If anything, they seem to conjure up constant frustration by their owners from what I have heard and read, so it seems to be a generally good idea to try to stay away from them.

If nothing else, that seems to be a pretty solid reason to upgrade the turntable.

johnss
680 posts
 

with phono playback, all the gain happens with the phono pre. Anything you can do to lower mechanical noise and electrical noise should help. Have you considered a better shunyata cord on your Thor phono stage?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,919 posts
 

 

tablejockey

4,236 posts

 

"Biggest pain with the VPI unipivot arm is the counterweight."

audphile- you're not  using the SS Counterintuitive? Get one if not.

Mandatory to keep sanity while dialing in cartridge
 

no. I used Blanton and Glenfiddich. I wasn’t aware of the SS counterintuitive. Thank you!!!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,919 posts
 

@bimmerlover it takes a few records to get used it. Not terrible. I love the sound though. The arm on my Prime X is 3D-12 JMW. 
I traded a clearaudio concept table in and got the Prime X. 
One thing that’s certain - setting up this VPI table was a breeze compared to trying to dial the antiskate in on a clearaudio. That table is in a league of its own when it comes to unnecessary complexity. 

markmoskow
61 posts
 

I like unipivots. I have Magnepan Unitracs on two TTs. But, I think they are easiest/best with lightweight cartridges. I had the VPI as well on a Scout Prime and it was little more finicky than the Magenpans, but allowed me to use a heavier cartridge. I am not a fan of 9" gimbal arms. 12" feels much better with a gimbal arm, although I don't know if there is much sonic difference. Back to your question, That upgrade will make a difference in ease of use, I think; soundwise, I would I put more emphasis on the carts and phono stages.

More to discover