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

Thanks @tablejockey 

That makes sense. I’ll have to include this when I plan the next upgrade. 
After the latest cartridge chsnge (about 1hr on the new Umami Blue) I think the weakest link with my setup is probably the 12” 3-d printed unipivot arm. Or the phono stage but I really doubt that. Didn’t think of the motor as a potentially major upgrade yet. 

Thanks all

@tablejockey and @audphile1 

I have a Herron VTPH-2. My plan is to get an Ayre PX-8 after upgrading the TT as I have an Ayre EX-8 that is currently out getting upgrades.

As to the table, not sure if it’s worth the arm upgrade. I would probably just buy a new Signature 21

After the tonearm and feet upgrades the only difference is the plinth and heavier motor enclosure. Is that worth spending $3k more?

I like the idea of @tablejockey to run the Condor/Roadrunner with the existing motor.

 

The Prime X is pretty solid. High quality anti vibration feet, heavy platter. The only thing I’m falling out of love with is the unipivot arm especially with the cartridge set up 2 days ago involving the counterweight insanity still fresh in memory…

I agree with tablejockey....  you don't realize it until you realize it.  Especially noticeable with piano and vocals.