Disappointed with my New Table
StickMan451 -- Fri, 08/15/2008 - 21:45
I just got back into vinyl last December (after a 30 year absence) with a VPI Scout and a DV 20xl; I was thrilled! After eights months I decided to go for broke and traded-in the Scout for an Aries 3 with a Dynavector 507MKII. (I put the DV 20xl on the 507).
The Aries 3 trumps the Scout in every way save one; it seems slower and just less 'lively' overall. I seem to have lost that toe-tapping rhythm that I loved about the Scout. Yes, the Aries is quieter, yes it provides greater detail, punchier bass, etc…but it just seems slower, less rhythmic, and a lot more analytical; dare I say boring? I checked the speed; it’s good. I tried a SDS and that helped significantly, but not so much with the ‘life’ of the table.
I did not try the Aries at home before I made the purchase. My rig at home is totally different than the in-store system that I auditioned. I am wondering what to do next?
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See if you can borrow a different brand of cartridge to try, it's the easiest part to swap out and can make a big difference.
Peder Beckman
Director of Sales
Musical Surroundings
www.musicalsurroundings.com
Thanks for the feedback. Switching cartridges is not that easy with my current dealer; only other easy option he has is the DV DRT XV-1....
Based on my description of the 'sound' do you have other recommendations?
thanks
What you are describing seems to correspond with what others have said about the Scout series compared to other VPIs. Why not try a Scoutmaster and see if that gives you the PRaT and the the qualities you like in the Aries. Or maybe a tricked out Scout would do the trick (SDS, 300 rpm motor, platter/bearing upgrades, etc.)
CraigM,
I know exactly what you are talking about regarding the SuperScoutMaster. Others have mentioned the same issues. Unfornuately my dealer did not stock the SuperScoutMaster so I could not do a direct comparision between it and the Aries.
I may try a different cartridge on my DV 507 too. Also, I will add the SDS and that will make a positive difference. Of course, good used SuperScoutMasters can be had on AudiogoN for very reasonable prices, so one day I may end up with two tables!
I am going to the RMAF in October and will audition the TW-Acustic Raven One...from what I have heard it is awesome and has a lot of PRAT. We will see...
I agree that experimenting with different carts is the easiest way to go.
Another approach is to try some different platters on the Aries. It's a pretty easy experiment as there were at least 3 different platters/bearings VPI used for the Aries. People seem to be unloading their previous platters for the new Superplatter so you can typically pick up used Aries platter/bearing combos pretty cheaply.
One word of caution---make sure you have the right size bearing hole on your plinth. VPI used both a 1" and a 1.25"
Yes, the SDS makes a positive difference, too.
Good luck!
Jim
Most 'philes refer to it as PRaT
Pace, Rhythm and Timing
Best way to have PRaT at cheapo cost is to buy a Technics SL1200 8)
*** In Stylus Veritas! ***
It soulds like the arm may be the problem.You went from a VPI table and arm to a VPI table with Dynavector arm.
Replace the Dynavector with a 10.5i and you will be tappin in no time.