Cartridge upgrade for VPI Scout

Thanks for all the sugestions guys.

Stingreen-
I did try taking it off the Ginko, but it seemed to muddy the overall clarity, and did not have an effect on the upper treble. I am a drummer, so I prefer a "hotter" top end to get a nice sizzle and air out of the cymbals.

Dougdecaon-
You are right, I need to learn setup techniques. Unfortunately I had the guy at Music Direct set up the table when I bought it, and to be honest, I am a little intimidated with the setup stuff. I definitely need TT setup 101, no doubt about it.

I'd suggest getting Fremers TT set-up DVD then. Watch it and learn, then try it your self. Using the VPI alignment jig is a breeze. It's great to get past the fear of TT set-up as it frees you to get the most out of your gear.

I recently purchased a Denon DL-S1 on a VPI TNT jr. w/12.5. It was recommended by a couple of AGoners as superior to a XX2MKII, VDH Frog, and Shelter 901. I didn't compare them myself, because it was not possible. However, I have listened to a $5,000 ClearAudio and I found it comparable. It tracks very accurately, has uniform sound reproduction across the frequency range.

I listen, primarily, to classical music. I hear a great deal of the room resonance, the bows digging into the strings, the intake breath on wind solos, and the piano sounds like a piano with the rich harmonic resonance.

I have listened to a few rock albums and they are dramatically more detailed and enjoyable.

Big band brasses and winds sound full and distinct. The harmonic voices of the Mills brothers sound natural and full.

I purchased it new from Glen Carol Audio (authorized Denon dealer) for $800 (great guy to deal with). My wife and I are completely satisfied and don't even consider upgrading.

Search Frog or Shelter 901 and you should find my thread where I received the advice on the Denon DL-S1.

Mekon56...... VPI's need a solid platform to appreciate its qualities. If the elimination of the Gingko made the sound worse in the way you describe, you need a more solid table, shelf, etc. that it sits on. Harry recommends a solid butcher block platform. That will give you the "snap" you're looking for. Its like tightening the snare drum head. If its too loose, the rat.ta.ta.tat is reduced to a rub.a.dub.dub.

Michigan Maple Block makes a good one 3" thick. Runs about $125 with freight. I replace the standard feet with Star Sound solid brass ones; brass sounds better and it gets rid of the rubber washer in the regular feet. I think it improves the bass and transient response over the regular feet or even the Mini TNT feet. I am a dealer for both VPI and Star Sound.