VPI Scout vs. Thorens 165

Re: Jaybo's observation about "weight" and balance parallels mine when I took the Scout out of the box and set it up on the top shelf of a Billy Baggs rack, which is 3/4" mdf with formica veneer. However, when the Scout is set up on a thick maple platform, it's sound is transformed for the better. The missing weight and balance is there in abundance when sited on a good support.

the scout is certainly a good table, but i swear, just the upgrading frenzy on these tables seems to be a full time hobby. check the various threads

Thanks everyone for your posts.

The scout table does sound great right out of the box, in my experience, and the upgrade path is definately there, which is a positive in my mind, not a negative, you can take it as far as you want (and your wallet allows).

I went from a Thorens 165 to a VPI HW19 MK III and I'd say the difference in sound was dramatic. The Thorens lacked the weight and solidity of sound that the VPI brings.

I was sure that my Thorens was "perfect" and that even after getting the VPI that I would hold on to the Thorens forever. But after a few months with the VPI I couldn't think of ever going back to the Thorens. So, after 8 months, I set the Thorens back up and lived with it for a full month. At the end of the month I sold the Thorens and have never missed it once.

Paul