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vpi scoutmaster versus technics unbiased

Anyone heard both the vpi scoutmaster and the technics mk5g not the earlier versions and preferably with tonerarm dampen kit to tell me whether there is big difference in sonics. Lets assume no sds or clamp with vpi but newer tonearm. phonostage is dartzeel preamp and amp is dartzeel as well. by the way i am happy with the technics mk5g that I have but wondering whether the scoutmaster with my existing benz ace low output cartridge would have a lower noisefloor or what would the benefits necessarily be. I listen to jazz and rock. If you sneer at direct drive then at least admit it so I am aware of the bias.

thanks

mike

thanks

mike
radioheadokplayer
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Well, another idea is to start a thread asking if anyone in LA has a
Scoutmaster you could hear.

Relying on opinions in a discussion thread is a dicey
proposition, because we all have different listening experience, priorities and
systems. Also, as an alternative, perhaps Elliot carries something in the price
range of VPI you could hear.

Similar to the Technics SL12XX tables, VPI tables have a long list of upgrades
that owners find necessary to "get the best out of the table". You have to ask
yourself if this is a road you want to travel.

You might consider looking into the offerings of Galibier if you want to get
close to the end game without endless upgrading. A Galibier Stelvio TT with
entry level arm runs about $3800. The Stelvio can also be upgraded when
time and funds allow.
radioheadokplayer OP
173 posts
 
I should also add if emi was a problem with this tt, it would be consistently present on albums and not varying from record to record.....

I like the technics so dont want to get on the upgrade treadmill unless the difference is big!
radioheadokplayer OP
173 posts
 
well tvad you are right it is like opening pandora's box and i do like the technics so doubt I will do anything for now. If the guy selling in la had it setup and broken in I would certainly listen to it
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
07-23-08: Lwerner
Is not the entire platter part of "the direct drive" motor?, Hence, an awful lot of EMI (electro magnetic interference) swimming around that platter, Oh so close to that expensive magnetic cartridge? You decide.
One belt, motor on seperate plinth, free at last! free at last!
Typical audiophile-approved dogma with speculated theory but no substantiation. You have to pay between $3-5K to get a belt drive TT with as low an S/N, weighted or unweighted, as a $500 Technics SL12x0.

Every drive system has its strengths and weaknesses. What about the hysteresis inherent in a flexible belt drive system, or the side pull on the rotor bearing? You can sit in an armchair and point out design disadvantages in anything, but it is the implementation, not the design theory, that ultimately determines if something works well or not.

The EMI thing didn't put off Goldmund, Grand Prix, Teres, and some other direct drive entries in the high end.
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
Barring the expensive DD models mentioned by Johnnyb53, the cognescenti of direct-coupled(i.e. idler) & DD TTs generally favor vintage Lencos, Technics SP-10 & early Denons. They can be purchased for under $500 on ebay and restored/replinthed to great effect. The advantage of superior speed stability in these TTs, may or may not be offset by the advantage of low vibration inherent in belt drive with an isolated motor. Having myself tweaked a VPI belt-drive TT in areas that separately address speed stability and resonance control, my vote goes to speed stability as making the greatest improvement. It will forever be debated whether any belt drive TT can approach the speed stability of DD, and whether DD can be as quiet as belt drive.
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