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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
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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