Alternative Tonearms for VPI


Has anyone ever used other manufacturers tonearms on VPI Scoutmaster Turntables. If so what were they and what if any improvements were noticable
wes4390
Not to hijack the thread, but can other VPI arms be used? Like the the 12.7? Other than the fact it would extend over the front edge of the plinth, would the mounting be the same, and the spindle to pivot distance?
I have a Scout turntable with the Super Platter and I also use a Teres Verus rim drive motor system. I have also mounted an Origin Live Conqueror MK 3 tonearm. The Conqueror requires an adapter to raise the arm high enough to work with the VPI platters. The adapter was made by Origin Live to fit the Scout arm mounting hole. The Conqueror arm geometry is similar to Rega arms and the JMW-9 and requires a 223 mm spindle to pivot to spindle mounting distance - the same as required by the JMW-9. The sound quality is definitely better than the stock Scout but I must say the stock Scout sounds pretty darn good. I have a good digital playback syste. My analog playback system sounds better than Cds and SACDs but not so much that I don't enjoy the digital sound. I am also using a Lyra Skala cartridge and a Sutherland PhD phono preamp. With good quality lps I would describe the sound as being close to perfect.
I don't think that there is any way to fit longer arms on to the Scoutmaster. I had intended to get the Scoutmaster Reference for my personal use but wanted the 12.7 arm. Although not in the dealer price list I found that a few of the Aries Extended were still avaliable and got one of those. I have suggested to Harry that he should put it back into production when the supply is exhausted as there are many who want the 12" arm but don't want to pay $12000 for the HRX. With the TNT being discontinued this is their only choice currently.
You can mount a Graham on VPI Scoutmaster, you will need to buy the arm board from Graham and price is quite high.