Super Scoutmaster or Teres?

I think the Scoutmaster is a fine table. The only thing that keeps me from buying it is the tonearm.

According to VPI tech support, I must use the VPI JMW-9 tonearm with the Scoutmaster, which is not my favorite tonearm. It lacks antiskating adjustment, and Michael Fremer noticed that the JMW-9 had a "Parkinson’s-like" performance when the cueing level was used. (Maybe Michael was doing something wrong?) Also the tonearm is on the light side with about 7 grams of effective mass, which might pose a problem when it is used with low compliance phono cartridges unless head-shell weighting is employed.

I have a Scoutmaster with all the Super upgrades (center clamp, ring clamp, and SDS) except for the HRX motor, which results in a price comparable to the Teres + arm; plus, I assume it would be possible to upgrade to the HRX motor later. Like you, I thought about the Teres. However, I finally decided to go with the VPI, and I don't regret it. I love the ring clamp and the center clamp, and the table looks great. Although I haven't had a chance to try out the Teres, you can't go wrong if you choose the Scoutmaster (in the Super configuration or with just some of the upgrades). It is extremely easy to set up, which was important to me. Finally, I wanted the option to add an extra tonearm for a mono cartridge. With the Scoutmaster, for a modest amount, you can buy an extra arm and very easily switch arms. I believe only the very high end Teres will allow you to mount more than one tonearm.

I would not worry about whether Teres will be around in a few years or not. Basically, if that is a concern buy a spare bearing. Any quality motor can be substituted for the Teres motor in the event of a failure and inability to obtain a replacement.

I would, furthermore, urge you to consider the Scheu Premier Mk II. It looks a great table and I've seen two for sale in the past couple of years; both sold instantly for more than used tables typically sell for. Chris Feicker/Scheu advised me a Premier II with the dual arm option and a Scheu Classic Unipivot (12" version) would cost 2200 US including shipping. As there is no sales tax involved that has to be the deal of the century for a reference class turntable. The 12" was recommended by Chris when I mentioned my usage of Denon DL103R cartridges.

Teres, Scheu, top of the line VPA; take your pick as they are all up there in the top tier of table.

In response to the VPI 10.5 Memorial Arm not being any good because it doesn't have an anti skate device. If anyone has a 12 inch Memorial Arm at a good price please contact me.

Thanks, Vv32BL

Isn't VPI supposed to release a JMW 9 tonearm with an antiskating device sometime early next year?