1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 137985-109343

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
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
My opinion....

Might want to consider a Soundsmith Otello.  I opine that you might want to be a little careful about "warm" sound.  It can get congested and mask some desirable detail and tight timing.  
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
What ever player you decide on, getting it from a retailer skilled in turntable/arm/cartridge assembly and set-up/adjustment/optimization is a real good idea.
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Go for the Prime Scout. Add a Grado Sonata cartridge and you will have excellent enjoyable sound (longtime Grado user)! And you can do set up yourself. Plenty of videos on UTube about it (Analog Planet ... ). Buy a DiscWasher brush and D4 cleaning fluid (for use with brand-new LPs). Used LPs should always have a thorough cleaning before play (see UTube). Add a bottle of Stylast and a bit of Magic Eraser (stylus preservative and cleaner) and you will enjoy years of use from your TT system!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
As an alternative to the VPI East End Hi Fi of Coram, NY has the Merrill GEM PolyTable with SA-750 arm available for $1795 + $60 shipping. This TT had an excellent review in TAS. And the arm is better than the VPI arm! This would be my choice! eastendhif.com and eastendhif on Audiogon
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
@roberjerman 

My opinion is that the SA-750 isn't even close to ANY VPI arms.  I have owned both.  The VPI is so much better as to defy casual comparison.

Which VPI arms have you owned and testes head-to-head with a SA-750?  
More to discover