VPI Scout

re the vpi 16.5...very good, but expensive, big and loud. don't overlook the basic nitty gritty for between 200-300. they'll get the job done every bit as good, not as loudly, and with less space.

I'm using a Scout with a Glider L2 and it's amazing. I've had for almost 3 months and it's really opened up over the last few weeks. Be patient, because while it does sound great out of the box, it only is going to get better, which is part of the fun. Just keep playing records and you'll see. Make sure it's on a sturdy platform(cutting boards work great) and perfectly balanced(very important for the unipivot arm). Put a mousepad under the motor to absorb vibration. While you probably want to wait until it's a bit more broken in, familiarize yourself with how to set vta(loosen set screws at base of arm...then dial in "on the fly" while record is playing, then tighten screws), azimuth(with counterbalance at back of arm) and vtf(with same counterbalance...make sure to tighten counterbalance to arm once finished with settings), and anti-skate(by twisting tonearm wire at connector to box...only enough so that when you set the arm to 0 weight(it floats freely)and you gently push arm toward spindle, it floats back to outer edge within 2-3 seconds).

i also agree with the recommendation of getting a record vacum machine. clean records = better sound, plain and simple. also clean your stylus.

lots of info about the scout here and on the vinyl part of audio asylum.

you did good, now have fun!

couldn't put it better myself. got mine on friday and the difference in the performance(plus peace of mind knowing that im running dead on 33.33 speed) has not been subtle. it's not cheap, but i'd like to know of any better way to upgrade this table.