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Better than Aries Scout?: the New VPI Scoutmaster

Just noticed some listings for a new VPI product: the Scoutmaster, which apparently falls between the Scout and Aries in their turntable line. Anyone have a chance to listen to this one? Opinions? Based on my own audition, along with all the positive opinion here, I was pretty set on the Scout, but this looks interesting as well. My Rega P2/Blue Point is getting very tired, and it's time for a meaningful upgrade... How do I spend my $2K budget? Rest of system is Linn LK1/LK2--Spendor SP1/2E. Nottingham-folk especially welcome to chime in. All insights most welcome and appreciated.

Jim
128x128goheelz
goheelz's avatar
goheelz OP
291 posts
 
Hi Doug,

Thanks very much for the thoughtful suggestions about my turntable upgrade path. I'm not an experienced DIY technician, so I've not thought seriously before of the Teres route. But I like the idea of using the RB-250 (modified) on the new table. The sanding/finishing part of the Teres kit should not be a problem, but it looks like the tonearm mount calls for drilling, complicated (and necessarily precise) positioning, etc. How much of an engineer does one need to be in order to get a kit-Teres up and running?

Jim
audiomax
166 posts
 
If your mind sets for the Scout, get it and later upgrade to the Scoutmaster. You simply can't go wrong with the Scout/JMW-9 tonearm combo and a good cartridge like Benz Glider, Sonata,etc..
zenieth
381 posts
 
I just got the new Aries 2 Black Knight and it's very very good. I upgraded from a Rega P-25 and there is NO comparison bewteen the two. You could get one for the 2k budget too! If I can further help feell free to email me!
jrd351
332 posts
 
gotta be the worst name for a hi end component ever.
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
With a name like Scoutmaster, it has to be good.
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