Super Scoutmaster or Teres?

Teres, VPI,SME, Walker (insert brand here). I still would have called them on it. It is inappropriate to take such a cheap shot without offering your reasons for doing so.

Therein lies the inherent problem with the Internet. It is the "world's largest soapbox". In the anonymity of cyberspace, it is easy to hit-and-run without defending your position.

I have no problem with someone who doesn't like VPI products, even though I myself have opted to use them. Making a broad generalization is what I take issue with. several responses to this thread have asked politely (despite the crass nature of Edle's comment) for clarification; none has been forthcoming. Further, the remark regardless of manufacture it was aimed at, contributes nothing to the subject or nature of the thread.

Point taken.

Excellent point Joe. Well now that that's over (hopefully!) I am enjoying the sound of my Aries and JMW10. I think the Scoutmaster is a great table that is perhaps a tad more lively than my Aries/10 combo, although I do prefer the more neutral and slightly softer sound( than the scoutmaster) of the Aries/10. The Super Scoutmaster, while I have not had the pleasure to have heard it..I know that it does indeed compete with more of the TNT v4-5 based on VPI's own evaluation of it and it's designed price point. The Teres 245 is a awesome table and one which has many of us into Vinyl very excited about.( Im excited, and haven't even heard a Teres!) I think you cant go wrong with either choice here( Cop out answer I know) but, at this level It does become a choice based on reviews,inquirey, personal preference and designs. Of course money may play a definate role too. Best of Luck with your choice.

I think the Scoutmaster is a fine table. The only thing that keeps me from buying it is the tonearm.

According to VPI tech support, I must use the VPI JMW-9 tonearm with the Scoutmaster, which is not my favorite tonearm. It lacks antiskating adjustment, and Michael Fremer noticed that the JMW-9 had a "Parkinson’s-like" performance when the cueing level was used. (Maybe Michael was doing something wrong?) Also the tonearm is on the light side with about 7 grams of effective mass, which might pose a problem when it is used with low compliance phono cartridges unless head-shell weighting is employed.

I have a Scoutmaster with all the Super upgrades (center clamp, ring clamp, and SDS) except for the HRX motor, which results in a price comparable to the Teres + arm; plus, I assume it would be possible to upgrade to the HRX motor later. Like you, I thought about the Teres. However, I finally decided to go with the VPI, and I don't regret it. I love the ring clamp and the center clamp, and the table looks great. Although I haven't had a chance to try out the Teres, you can't go wrong if you choose the Scoutmaster (in the Super configuration or with just some of the upgrades). It is extremely easy to set up, which was important to me. Finally, I wanted the option to add an extra tonearm for a mono cartridge. With the Scoutmaster, for a modest amount, you can buy an extra arm and very easily switch arms. I believe only the very high end Teres will allow you to mount more than one tonearm.