Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: VPI Scout Turntables by Bosh

Model:	Scout
Category:	Turntables
Suggested Retail Price:	$1,500
Description:	Aries Scout TT w/JMW 0 Tonearm
Manufacturer URL:	VPI
Model Picture:	View

Review by Bosh ( A ) on November 05, 2002 at 22:21:33
IP Address: 24.44.65.157

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for the Scout

Right out of the box I will state that I'm no vinyl expert. I've only gotten back into LP's in the past year or so, and the only recent experience I've had with TTs has been with a Thorens TD-160 paired with an antique Grace 707 and Shure M97. That said...

The most solid, assured, downright keeper of a thing I've ever invested in (in audio) is the VPI Aries Scout.

I am in awe of this machine's solid simplicity. Every detail speaks volumes about the builder's dedication to real world quality. The arm is a masterwork that should cost as much as the whole set up...and it would still be a steal.

There's little need to go into much detail on the JMW arm, as most of you have a better than basic understanding of the technology. But I will say the Memorial "9" has been a relevation.

Set-up is a no-brainer, with easy to follow instructions written by someone who clearly lives (and speaks) in New Jersey rather than , well, elsewhere. But the fact that the arm simply sits on a sharp metal point, all wobble-like, took some getting used to.

Anti-skate is unique, as well: To quote the directions "To increase or decrease the amount of anti-skating force applied, simply unplug the Lemo conector and twist it in the direction you want the force applied."

Ta dah! Like we said. Simple. And that Lemo hook up? That means you can use any ICs you like. In my case, I opted for VPI's own ICs, which use the very same wire that's found in the JMW Tonearm. And not to swerve into a cable review, but I will say that after an initial period where the VPI ICs sounded a bit thin, after some burn in, they bested (to my ears)a pair of far more costly AQ Vipers.

The 'table itself is beautiful in its (again) simplicty. The metal tip-toes can be adjusted for balance/level. The platter is suitably massive and the motor is where it belongs (that is to say; seperate from the plinth).

VPI's approach to isolation has been, for me, another positive shock. I always assumed a suspended sub-c would provide the most and best isolation from environmental disturbance. Not so.

Again, I'm only basing this on my own experience with the TD-160, but with the Scout, I can actualy exhale without causing the arm to jump two tracks ahead. Hell, I can even walk around the room!

The sound is stellar. Period.

You can spend a lot more money on a TT, but the Aries Scout begs the question: Why?

Product Weakness: None,
Product Strengths: Build quality; all around value; killer sound.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Scott 299-D
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Aries Scout
Speakers:	KEF 104/2
Cables/Interconnects:	VPI
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, etc...
Room Size (LxWxH):	24 x 10 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	feh.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Adcom ACE 515
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	System in "Inmate systems"; Mr. Hyde.

Product Weakness:	None,
Product Strengths:	Build quality; all around value; killer sound.