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Trying Analog Again - Sugg for $2K-$4K Budget?

After reading all the comments from everyone about how Vinyl has such a superior sound vs CD, I am interested in giving Vinyl a try again. My only memories are from 20+ years ago with an inexpensive TT.

I enjoy all types of music and especially instrumental piano, guitar, and quality female vocals.

My current system consists of McIntosh MC2102/C2200, Naim CD5, and Alon (Nola) II speakers. The C2200 has a phono stage that Stereophile rated as "good, but not stellar" and Absolute Sound rated as excellent. Phono stage specs are MM only, 4.4mV for 2.5V output (not sure what 4.4mV sensitivity means). I would prefer not to have a separate phono stage if possible, but would entertain the possiblity if current equipment is holding me back. The new table/arm/cartridge will be sitting on the top of a Salamander Synergy S30 rack.

After lots of research and considering the wife approval factor, the VPI line looks to be the direction I'm heading. The Scout has gotten great reviews, however, there are so many other turntables (Scout Master, Super Scout Master, Aries)in that line it makes me wonder. I would prefer to purchase a high-quality table/arm/cartridge the first time vs. entry level. This strategy may not be possible on my budget - not sure.

I have no problem buying used, but have never set up or aligned a cartridge or arm. I really appreciate your help and suggestions so I can begin enjoying the "Vinyl Sound"!
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pmotz
375 posts
 
Being a VPI fan I would recommend a Scout Master since that fits squarely in your budget and I think you can buy it with a pre-mounted cartridge. I spoke with VPI about replacing my HW-19 Mk II and they recommended at least the Scout over an upgrade to the HW-19 Mk IV. The Scout Master would be even better. I'm not really sure where the Aries fits in the equation, it has some advantages compared to the Scout, but it has a removeable armboard. The Scout has the arm hole drilled directly into the plinth and that is where much of it's performance comes from. Haven't figured out why they haven't offered an Aries "Hot Rod" like they did with the TNT. Anyway the Scout and Scout Master are upgradeable to the Super Scout Master which is close to HRX peformance (at least if you believe Harry Pearson!).
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,430 posts
 
I agree with the recommendation of a VPI Scoutmaster. I've listened to this 'table many times, and I'm always impressed by it. At the price, this 'table and arm combination is awfully difficult to beat. Stay with you current phono stage for now, and add a high output cartridge that will match to your sonic priorities, and you'll have a great combination within your price range to re-explore vinyl.

Cartridge suggestions under $800 that will work well on the Scout or Scoutmaster: Grado Sonata or Master (1.5mv preferred, or 4.0mv), Sumiko Blackbird, Dynavector DV-20XH, Benz Glider High Output H2.

Good luck!
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear friend: According your priorities my advise is that you go for the Acoustic Signature Final Tool TT ( www.acoustic-signature.com ) and Moerch DP-6 or UP-4 tonearm ( any of these tonearms have the advantage that you can mate any cartridge with it because you can choose arm wands with different effective mass. Btw, these are very good tonearms. )

For the cartridge, there are many options: high output MC cartridges or MM cartridges ( this options are for you can work with what you already have ). For the MC you can look to: Dynavector, Sumiko and Ortofon cartridges. For the MM type, you can look to: Clearaudio, Ortofon, Linn, Dynavector, Audiotechnica.

All these companies are a very trusty cartridge manufacturers.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
You should have nearly unlimited possibilities in the price range you mention. There are literally thousands of great quality products available to you. The VPI is a quality product, you don't need to worry about get stuck with something. I personally would look at many other products first, but that is just a personal thing.

Wally tools are great for setting up a table. Mobile Fidelity makes a product called the Geodisc that is very helpful too for less money, but also less accuracy. The process is not as difficult as it might seem before doing it yourself.
asonicyouth
120 posts
 
I have a scout with a dynavector xx-2 cartridge and the dynavector p-75 phono amp. Im 22 and this is my first experience with vinyl. the table cost me 1175 new with warranty, the cart 1300 new (I splurged on it) and the P-75 was 500 new. The sound is absolutely jaw-dropping. wide open soundstage, with mircodynamics for miles. Anyway, shes callin i gotta get back!
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