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VPI Prime or Scout or ???

Hi all,

I’m new to record players. I’ve always been a digital music person. That said, I’ve got s nice setup now and am looking for a record player for occasional records. I won’t be too serious about it and digital will remain my main source.

i know with some of the higher end players there is a learning curve but was hoping for something not too difficult to learn.

Being from NJ, I was pretty interested in VPI. I’m not sure I quite understand the differences between the Prime and Prime Scout. The Prime would probably be near the top of my budget. Also, I have no idea which cartridge to get. 

For context, I’ll mostly be listening to vintage jazz and rock. The turntable would feed into the Phono stage of my Mytek Manhattan. Any suggestions welcome! There is a pretty good deal on a Prime Scout I’m looking at so that’s why I figured I’d ask the experienced people here.
mayoradamwest

Showing 3 responses by gillatgh

gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
224 posts
 
The Prime Super Scout is a upgraded Prime Scout sold by Upscale audio in California.  It upgrades the prime scout by adding the prime platter and the 10.5 inch memorial arm and motor. Go to their website and compare. It's only available thru Upscale in a number of plinth finishes. Mine is brushed magnesium. I have 0 regrets going this route. Have it now for about 3 months and am very happy with it. Upscale did install the cartrige perfectly aligned before shipping it to me.  All I had to do was final VTF, VTA and azimuth. Also got a discount on cartride. They may even be close to you. 
I'm not affiliated with them in any way. Just a really satisfied customer. 
Good luck in your hunt.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
224 posts
 
Fwiw, I very recently purchased the VPI Prime Super Scout after many months of doing research and actual comparison with a number of other competitors product within my budget. This included the Prime, Prime Scout and Prime Signature. I purchased the Super Scout from Upscale audio, this scout has most upgrades incorporated and is mostly a prime at less cost. Super easy to set up by anyone. I also got the Ortophone 2m Black cartridge and could not be more satisfied. I do highly recommend adding the soundsmith counter intuitive as it helps make set up a breeze. Also real happy with the unipivot arm. Final cost was less than the prime including the cartridge. Hope this helps. I'm a very satisfied VPI listener
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
224 posts
 
@gochurchgo, I listen to mostly rock of the 70s, 80s and 90s sprinkled with metal Ala Metallica, Sabath etc and punk such as Ramones and Sex Pistols. I have absolutely no complaints as to the sound of the Prime Scout. Rich lows, exquisite mids and highs, fast and tight. Don't know about the cone thing but the stock table as I purchased it works great for me. I do want to experiment with a mc cartridge eventually sometime down the road. Be aware my scout is somewhat supercharged.
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