VPI Scoutmaster or Nottingham Space Deck...?


Hey guys, I need some advice from some seasoned vinyl junkies out there!

I'm getting back into vinyl, and have it narrowed down to these two fine tables.

Is there much of a difference, sonically, between them?
Plus's / minus's of ea.?

Thanks to any & all.
denf
If setup instructions, informative literature and customer support are of any importance to you, stay clear of the Nottingham. Their U.S. distributor is in my opinion the worst!!
It is true that ASL (said distributor) sucks. It is odd, too, because dealing directly with NA and/or Tom Fletcher is one of the most pleasing experiences one might ever have in audio.
4yanx - For what it is worth. Maybe someone could talk Tom Fletcher into putting out a little bit more documentation? Seems like it would be easy & would help sales & help folks enjoy the product.

Judy426 - "A serious analog discussion cannot include Rega tonearms." I don't own a Rega but a lot of folks sing their praises. Maybe it is a tonearm for lighthearted discussions :).
4yanx - I obviously touched a raw nerve! I had heard NA at shows and not been impressed but having read effusive reviews here and elsewhere went along to a dem with high expectations.

I'd say that the Spacedeck is better than a Linn - delivering prat and better bass resolution, however it didn't match up to the expectations. It may be a good deal new or used but it didn't float my boat.

Whilst you were quick to disagree with my comment on the 'table I noted that we are in agreement about the Ace Space arm being a step up from a modded Rega.

The polarization I have come across is that flat-earthers rate the NA tables and others who prefer tubes (e.g. Hifi World magazine) consistently rate the Michell tables above the Nottingham.
More documentation or more glitzy, Jeff? While the documentation sheet is actually a photocopy of a drawing of the table and parts, it does, at least in my experience, cover what you need to know to set up and run the table. Nothing more, nothing less. What else would you like to see added? (not trying to be a smart-ass, just wondering) Granted, it isn't a glossy layout and doesn't go on and on congratulating you for buying the best table known to man as many do, but it does what it is intended to do (at least it did for me). I have Tom Fletcher's number here somewhere, though, if you want to make suggestions to him.