2. analog
  3. 119329-538

Should I consider a cartridge upgrade?

How "much" cartridge is too much?
Hi All,

I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.

I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.

I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge? I used a Zephyr Mk II before that, which I love; I did notice a significant improvement going to the Paua.

I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.

By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Arsh

Main System:

VPI Scoutmaster, Soundsmith Paua, VPI SDS, Transparent Reference MM2 phono, Herron VTPH-2, Herron IC, Musical Fidelity NuVista CDP, Transparent Ultra MM and Transparent digital cable, Musical Fidelity NuVista 800, Transparent Reference MM2 SC, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Powerbank 8 and Transparent power cords, Terracones and Terrastone platforms, Atacama Equinox rack.

arsh
inna
5,245 posts
 
Has your wife ever told you that you might be in fact in some way uncomfotable with your father's turntable?
It's terrible to have a wife psychologist, anyway. Could you ask her to change the profession, just for you?
arsh OP
309 posts
 
Hi Inna,

sounds like you may have a psychologist wife also? It is certainly an educational experience. She has diagnosed obsessive behavior when it comes to my hi-fi!
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Arsh...I have a 3D arm on my Superscoutmaster....its easily done.  Call VPI and arrange it.....a dramatic improvement
arsh OP
309 posts
 
Stringreen, thanks. However, when I called VPI, they were not helpful. I think some technician relayed answers to my questions via a receptionist.  Apparently he could not be bothered to speak with me himself.  From those answers, I gathered that some modification of the turntable would be required. Did your Scoutmaster originally have a JMW9 arm, or a longer arm before you installed the 3D? I am anticipating the release of the Schroder Alto (demonstrated at some recent hi-fi shows), which Peter Lederman tells me is a surface mount and should fit on my turntable; it should mate well with his cartridges. That may be worth considering for my situation. Not sure why VPI has not made a 9 inch 3D arm.
inna
5,245 posts
 
Hi arsh,
Some women are psychologists by nature, so I hear interesting things too from time to time.
I used to use my father's equipment for a while as well, then stopped, put it in storage and got my own.
More to discover