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VPI Scout

I picked up a Scout saturday.(my wife gave me the thumbs up) It has a Benz Micro Glider high output cart. Did I do good? The uni-pivot arm is really scary, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
Am I set for a few years with the TT cart combo? Right now I am using the Creek MM phono stage, (which I feel is under rated) but I am planning on adding a phono stage to my BAT VK31SE. Any other advise from VPI owners?
I am excited about this purchase, but I can't talk to any of my freinds about it. They think I am already crazy for getting into this expensive hobby. They just don't understand my(our)obsession. At least my wife is accepting, her nickname is "the saint".
Jeff
jdodmead
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
I have a Scout with the Dynavector 20hX and just replaced my Creek phono stage with a Graham Slee Era Gold Mark V. I'm not sure the Creek is underrated; after all it's only a couple hundred bucks but you'll be stunned at how much detail you're missing when you replace it with something better.
The VPI 16.5 is nice but if you don't mind using a little elbow grease get the Disk Doctor's cleaning brushes and solution along with the Nitty Gritty Record DoctorII and spend the other $200 on some new vinyl. Just my opinion.
jdodmead OP
241 posts
 
Wc65mustang: Where can I chek out the phono stage you are using? Can you use it for Mm and MC carts?
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Check out Walter at Underwood Hi Fi. Since the very favorable review in 1/04 Stereophile you may have to wait a bit to get one. At the price, I believe it is certainly one of the best values available. Furthermore, many folks say it is the best phono stage under 2K. I wouldn't make that claim as I haven't heard enough of the competition. It is, however, a sweet sounding piece. Rumor has the price increasing soon.
It is designed for high ouput mc's or mm's of 2-10mV however there is a matching head amp called the Elevator which enables it to accept all mc cartridges. Good luck and good listening.
doc_stereo
30 posts
 
I just purchased a Scout with a Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge. I'm hoping it's as great as everyone says it is (going from Rega P3). Now my next decision is what phono pre? I was thinking about a Tom Evans Microgroove Plus vs a used Aesthetix Rhea. Looking forward to joining the VPI Scout club soon!

- Doc
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Doc: As long as you're in a spending mode :>) be sure to check out the SDS for your Scout; makes a significant improvement in an already sweet turntable IMO.
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