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Upgrade from VPI Scoutmaster

My Scoutmaster is now 21 years old, it is in great condition but I wonder if I could improve my analog experience.  I was pretty happy with the sound earlier but in the last year I changed the cartridge from the Koetsu Black to the Rosewood signature platinum and then upgraded the phono stage from the Sutherland Duo to the Dos Locos and each stage revealed a new level of musical content from the LPs so I am wondering if there is anything to be gained from a new arm and table.

(As an aside, if you have a low output, low resistance cartridge and the budget, AUDITION THE DOS LOCOS.  The most hyped up reviews scarcely do it justice IMHO.

My budget would be $10K +/- $2K.  I have contemplated the VPI Dragon and the Signature 21 'tables.  I have no idea which would be better and in each case I'd need to add a headshell weight because of the low compliance of my beloved Koetsu RSP.

Does anyone have suggestions regarding which, if either, VPI is a better match or if there is a different table & arm combo, in that price range, you would prefer.

The rest of my system is an LA4 pre, various amps  - SE 300B or 2A3 Elekit TU-8900, a Pass Labs XA25 or my own home brew PP 6SN7 - 300B Balanced, Rockport Atria II speakers - held together with Cardas Clear Reflection.   I listen exclusively to "classical" music, anywhere between the 11th and early 20th centuries.

I'd truly appreciate thoughts on how to get the best out of the cartridge.

retiredaudioguy
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,397 posts
 

Yes. Definitely. I am a former VPI Aries owner. Now an owner of a near Klimax LP12 with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature. 

If you are really happy with the VPI, I would upgrade in that hierarchy. Definitely you can get a significant upgrade. If you look outside the VPI world then you are confronted with different categories of sound, like sprung table, Idler arm. I would say, if you venture out, I would stick with mass tables as opposed to sprung... TechDAS, Kronos, Clear Audio... etc. Sprung are described as "lively" which is true, and has an attraction, but I found it necessary to invest in a high end vibration control device to get back the silence and image stability that you get with the high mass tables. 

It is easy to open a can of worms by changing categories. 

tablejockey
4,401 posts
 

"My budget would be $10K +/- $2K.  I have contemplated the VPI Dragon and the Signature 21 'tables.  I have no idea which would be better and in each case I'd need to add a headshell weight because of the low compliance of my beloved Koetsu RSP"

As audphile1 suggested, a gimbal arm upgrade is a simple drop in replacement. The spike assembly is replaced, and its ready to go. You probably just need a heavier counterweight for the low compliance Koetsu.

With that budget, you could get a non VPI arm and it would probably be a more significant upgrade over a new VPI table.

As for complete tables, I would look at the many non VPI options also.

Longtime VPI Classic user.

 

george_r
70 posts
 

I worked with a local dealer and traded in a VPI Prime for a Signature 21.

The Prime worked well but due to some remodels I needed to move the table a few times. I had a dealer install my cartridge and set up the unpivot tonearm initially but I was never very good at returning it to the perfect balance.

My favorite upgrade with the Signature 21 is the JMW-10 Fatboy Gimbal Tonearm.​ Overall very happy with the upgrade. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for Made in the USA and family-owned businesses.

 

neonknight
516 posts
 

I would say this fits the bill

 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650284639-vpi-hw40-limited-edition-40th-anniversary-direct-drive-turntable/

retiredaudioguy OP
283 posts
 

Many thanks to all for your thoughts.  I think staying with the VPI family makes sense, the Signature 21 appears to be the best I can do - I contacted Mat W. and he explained the sonic differences between the Dragon and the Signature.

Now, if I don't owe the tax man ....

 

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