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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
slaw's avatar
slaw
26,496 posts
 

Although I've owned VPI most all my hi-fi life, I never recommended them.

joeycastillo
267 posts
 

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

durkn
109 posts
 

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.

jaybe
863 posts
 

I have a Scout and can also vouch for the Counterintuitive. I also put a dab of damping grease between the arm and counterweight and it’s much less prone to movement, adds a bit of resistance to overadjusting, even holds its position during adjustment without the screw being tightened. These two things made all the difference.

Matt told me he much prefers the unipivot over the gimbaled arms.

sonicdead
41 posts
 

I love the VPI JMW uni-pivot arms. Once it is setup accurately it is just amazing. Once user gets use to the "movement" it becomes easy and natural. Have VPI HW19 MKIV with platter, SAMA, and suspension upgrade with JMW 10" Fatboy uni-pivot tonearm and it sounds great, Feel sound is comparable but not better to a friends VPI Sig 21. Using Ayre P-5xe phono preamp, Sumiko Palo Santos cartridge  with transparent Ultra mm2 cables into my Wandla DAC/Pre, McCormack DNA 225  and Sonus Faber Nova V speakers. Happy with my setup. 

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