VPI Scout or Michell Technodec?

"Guys: The reason I norrowed the search between the Tecnodec and the Scout is because I can't really afford the next step up, so even the entry-level teres is out.
/I guess I was hoping to here from those who have directly experienced these two TTs and might be able to relate how they compare."

I apologize for not having the information you seek. I guess my point was that with a little looking around and a little luck, you _could_ have the next step up even on your quoted budget. For instance, say you find a used Gyro at $1200, add an OEM250 from here on the 'Gon and upgrade the couterweight (there a few to choose from) at $300, and spend the remaing $300 on the cart of your choice--Clearaudio, Dynavector, Shure, and Grado all make excellent ones; I'm partial to the Aurum Beta and Beta S, having owned both--and voila, awseome setup within your bedget, and plenty of room to upgrade later. Alternately you could forget teh weight upgrade and sink the extra hundred into the cartridge...you get the idea. Alternately you could get a new VPI MkIII plus the 250 and cart at your budget, and that would certainly be no slouch, either--and none of it would have to be used, that way.

Just food for thought--again please accept my apologies for not being able to answer your questions directly, but hopefully this helps you in some way :)

GO FOR A SOTA NONE VACUME SAPPHIRE YOU WILL GET THE BEST TT FOR YOUR MONEY THAT WAY

Hi,

I have a Technodec coming in a day or two. Once I have it up and running for a few days, I will post my impressions.

TLH

Hi,

Just received my Technodec tonight and set up. My initial impressions after 2 hrs. max. are favorable. Compared w/ the Nottingham Horizon I had last fall, I think the Techno maybe has greater extension on both HF and LF, but perhaps not quite the "body" of the Nottingham in the midrange. Granted, I only have a $60 or $80 Grado on it (can't recall which model and no longer have the box), compared w/ some more expensive cart. I have used in the past. (I used Clearaudio Virtuoso, VDH MC10 and Goldring elite w/ the Gyro, and kept the Elite for use w/ the Horizon, but also had the inexpensive Grado as backup for all three tables.) I think perhaps the Techno doesn't have quite the extension or sweetness on top of the Gyro SE I owned for a year, or the same degree of attack on notes -- the Gyro was clearly a big step above the Horizon in that regard and of course better than the Techno. Also, keep in mind that I'm now using $700 quad 11Ls as speakers, compared w/ Ref. 3A de Capos w/ the Gyro and Living Voice Auditoriums w/ the Horizon. Having heard a Spacedeck a couple times (though in unfamilar but very expensive systems) and having owned a Gyro SE for a year and the Horizon for about 6 mos., my personal view is that Michells have slightly more extension on both ends, but Notts may be preferred in a system that needs a little more body in the mids. JMO.

TLH

Dirty: After reading Tlh28's initial impressions of the Tecno, I think that you have offered some good suggestions. I just bought a nice VTL phono stage, and I think that it will be able to handle everything that the Gyro can throw at it. Hopefully, I will be able to find a Gyro for around $1,200 (which is what a new Tecno with a 250 is going for). Then, try to find an RB300 or modded 250 for 2 or 3 c-notes. Perhaps a Grado Sonata or a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood (I'd like to buy 'em both used and swap 'em out). That would push the $2k envelope, I reckon.

I guess this means that I have to work a few more overtime shifts. Ultimately, the difference, comparing used to used, would be around $1k to get started. I have already been a couple of months without a TT; I'll just have to deprive myself a 3 or 4 months longer.

Thanks, everybody, for your input. I'm determined to go for the Gyro. I think now that if I bought the Tecno, I'd always be thinking, "I wonder what that Gyro sounds like?"

Yeah, do the upgrade now.