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

Same turntable.

I spoke to someone that upgraded to the fatboy. He thought it was good but not worth the money.

I installed the HW-40 feet, I'll say the same about those.

I have the Blue. Worth it if you like the slightly warmer sound with great detail.

However, I'm not putting more money into my Scout. Chrome wheels on a family car. Instead I'm looking at the Forever table. 

@Jaybe
Thanks for your comments.  I apologize for being away from here and not replying sooner.  The warmer sound will help balance what was lost when I decided to drop the Umami Red for the Lyra Kleos.

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Update: We're off and running!

- Changed my leaning towards the Lyra Kleos.

- Changing the phono cable:  the original plan was for a WEL Signature only to learn they're not available.  My local dealer suggested trying a Pegasus, but I decided to go with Cardas Clear Beyond rather than stay with AQ and either try an IC with gorund or buy the Angel.

-  I ordered the SOTA Total Eclipse with the linear power supply and sent my motor off to get housing machined by them.

- The speaker cables are going to get upgraded to William Tell Zero Combo.  I just bought some on Agon for a good price.

- Adding a Terry Audio EI-30 Balanced Power & Iso Transformer

Lyra Kleos is warmer than Hana Umami Red? That’s interesting. 
I don’t have experience with either but from what I read when I was shopping for a cartridge is that the Hanas are less analytical sounding than Lyra. I ended up with Umami Blue. I would not call it warm sounding. It walks that fine line between high resolution and analytical and never crosses it. 

@audphile1 
I think there is some confusion - maybe my post wasn't clear.
I was reading Jaybe’s post to say that the HW-40 feet made the VPI sound a bit warmer. 
My comment meant to convey the thought that the added warmth of the HW-40’s would be a good addition to help balance the warmth I lose when switching my cartridge selection from the Umami Red to the Kleos.
My goal is to have a sound that is fast and detailed without crossing that line you are talking about.

@tomic601 
Would you mind sharing a bit more detail on how you used the Nimbus system and dampers, e.g. which size, placement, etc.?  I would appreciate it.

I think the comment about the Herron phono being a flavor of month bit of gear  was really aimed more at the posting / promotion made by a now long banned member. Keith great contribution to audio imo stand on own merit.

in answer to question about HRS Nimbus under the Herron, first start w shelf  - in the Herron  / Ayre system I use Core Audio 40# constrained layer shelf . Each shelf floats on cork over hardwood rails lagged to studs. 
Great as the Herron is - built to a moderate price point w mostly sheet metal chassis  - the feet should be bypsssed via Nimbus or equal coupler replacement. The HRS damper plate while expensive does a great job of damping ringing in the sheet metal top - you could save SME $ here w sharp diy