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Plans for my VPI Prime Scout

My existing TT is a slightly modified VPI Prime Scout: Scout base; Classic Signature feet; 12”, 20# Prime platter, JMW-9 Gimbal Tonearm, 300 RPM motor in Aluminum enclosure and two speed pulley; periphery ring; HR-X center weight. The cartridge is Soundsmith Zephyr Star MIMC. It’s quite old, and I’m not sure of the hours, but it has no obvious issue.

Here is my plan for an upgrade. I would appreciate hearing your opinion on what I’m thinking.

 

I contacted VPI they priced some upgrades, gave me a trade-in price and suggested the Signature 21 if I wanted to go with a new table. The Sig 21 is $6,700 after trade in.


The current plan is to modify as below:

 

Scout Base: Keep

Classic Signature Feet: Change to HW-40 ($0.00 - dealer “owe’s me one”)
Prime Platter: Keep

Tonearm: Change to 10” FatBoy Gimbal with Nordost wire (Possibly change wire to AQ Angel to match interconnect).
Motor: VPI said the single speed pulley and multiple belts is usually only run with a speed controller. So my plan is to keep the same and Keeping same and consider the SOTA Total Eclipse package.

Cartridge: Hana Umami Blue has been suggested.  I read great things and was wondering what else I might consider.  I listen to a pretty even mix of Blues, Female vocals, R&B, Classic Rock, and Jazz.  Side question: Is it better to sell the Zephyr before or after it's retipped?

If I go with the above without the Total Eclipse I pay 45% of the Sig 21 full cost. With the Total Eclipse it’s 62% of the full cost.

The other option is to sell what I have now with the new feet (presumably above the $2,000 trade-in), and buy ……what?

Thanks, I appreciate the help.
Jetson

jetson
tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

As is, Hopefully you have maxed out yor budget for the best phonostage possible.

If not proceeding further with any changes to the table is a waste of time/money.

Also, you haven't heard what its sonic capabilities are.

Other than trying a different cart with a better phonostage, sell it as is.

Use that cash + and research the many options-other brands.. Get the Sig 21 if you must have VPI. A used VPI can be a good value. No shortage of them, and you'll  get more for your money.

The SOTA speed controller is the way to go if you do stick with VPI.

Long time VPi Classic user.

lewm
14,650 posts
 

First and foremost, go for the Eclipse motor system.  The other stuff I have no opinion.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,830 posts
 

I can tell you Hana Umami Blue is great. I just upgraded from ML on my Prime X and I’m amazed. Don’t know what phono stage you have so you might want to investigate that as well. 
As to the table, not sure if it’s worth the arm upgrade. I would probably just buy a new Signature 21 but then again the arm plus cartridge upgrade on your table is cheaper than buying 21 without cartridge. 
Cartridge - retip at soundsmith and may be keep as a back up or sell. 
I have no knowledge about the SOTA motor pkg. Interesting though…can anyone post a link?

tablejockey
4,403 posts
 

"I have no knowledge about the SOTA motor pkg. Interesting though…can anyone post a link?"

@audphile1 -

Eclipse Series – Sota Turntables

The original Phoenix package was just the Controller/tach. Might be worth contacting to see if you could just purchase that, which will work with your existing motor. Finishing touch would be replacing the stock pulley for 300 rpm straight pulley for double belt.

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