I like the idea of upgrading to the VPI Prime. As a Prime Signature owner, I found it to be a great table out of the box. But what is most impressive is that it serves a great platform should you desire to upgrade it over time. I’ve upgraded mine with a Kuzma 4 point tonearm, Mutech Hayabusa cart, and VPI analog speed controller. The results are outstanding. The tonearm improvement shocked me. Absolutely astounding.
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.
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@kjl1065 You have a unique advantage here of already being familiar with VPIs sound and their unipivot arms. If you want to explore further up the VPI line, I would consider the Prime X over the Prime 21. Not really an objective thing, but I like the idea of a 12” arm, it could still be upgraded in several ways if you wanted, you are already familiar with the setup and sound of the unipivot arm, and it’s $1000 less than the Prime 21. If you’re wanting to move on from VPI to a more “set it and forget it” table, the 1200G seems like a strong contender. I’ve been wrestling with this same decision myself, but I’ve never actually owned a VPI either, but always loved them. I was glad to see so many suggestions for the Prime X here. Several good options in the price point you’re considering. Have fun with the search and at the end of the day, get the table you can fall in love with! |
OP I have the Super prime scout (with upgrade feet, motor and platter) and I also added counter intuitive tweak PLUS VPI Dual Pivot to sort of make gimbal instead All that and my sound was just so so.!!!! UNTIL I replaced my Phono stage with the Parasound Jc3+ and all the magic started to happen. IMHO, the TT has its sound signature BUT the CART and Phono stage has more impact. I can tell you this, my nephew's modded Rega P3 runs circles around my VPI Table until I replaced that stupid phono stage. and mind you, that Phono stage is no slouch either. correct synergy is important for me. So, in your quest, you may find that the VPI 21 primes maybe the ticket OR it may just give you're a small jump. I highly suggest doing a comparison as the impact may be subtle For me, The Hana BLUE is the bomb. my nephew uses DynaVector XX2A, and that too is the Da Bomb for the DynaVector family. not too $$$ for both brands unless you are now crossing into the higher brands |
I had a VPI Nomad & ran a Soundsmith Zephyr MI cart on it. Surprisingly good. I now have Prime 21+ (with cable & cart) but run a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3 ES MI cart. I like the gimbal arm. I can’t comment on the Scout. I thought about getting one but jumped to the Prime. I love this table. Never had any problems with it, great to look at, sounds incredible. I would get one & get a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3 ES MI, Zephyr MIMC Star, or Soundsmith Aida cart. |
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