VPI Aries Scout/JMW-9

[Wie Gehts?]

I'm preparing to get back into vinyl and have decided on the subject turntable/tonearm combination but remain undecided as to which cartridge would be appropriate.

I have a conrad-johnson tube preamp but it's a linestage only, so of course I'll also need to acquire a phono stage. Does it make sense to use a separate phono stage with my existing pre and if so, what are some decent ones?

I plan on soliciting suggestions from the folks at Red Trumpet and Music Direct but would enjoy hearing your recommendations, as well. Thanks in advance!

[FLEMKE]

I cannot say what the best way to set your system up is,but I will say that the Scout sounds better than any digital player I have ever heard. The cartridge I am using is a Dynavector DV-20X. Enjoy!

Tim

[Geoman076]

I have a Music Hall MMF9 turntable (thanks prix!) and am very happy with it. Even for a mechanically challenged person like myself, it was very easy to set up. The cartridge and arm comee already attached, and there is a bubble level built in so it is easy to level. Also, it has a pushbutton to change speeds from 33 to 45, which is alot easier than other TT's where you have to change a belt or somethin'. Music Hall also has an inexpensive phono stage ($100 or so) that you could use for the time being. That's what I"m using at the moment. Here is the link to the MMF-9:

http://www.musichallaudio.com/products/products.asp?lookup=mmf%209

[Rivendell61]

Dreamcatcher,
My Scout/JMW-9 has a Shure V15. Sounds great.
VPI likes the V15 as a match....I asked!

Another cart mentioned was the Grado Sonata (which, I think, comes in two forms: high and low output).

The V15 is liked by VPI, and our Forum host (SH), it has a replaceable stylus, and only costs $199.

VPI also sells Scouts with Dynavector 10's and 20's--so I they must like them as well.

Hope you find one you like. The Scout is terrific!

Mark

[audio]

Originally posted by Geoman076
I have a Music Hall MMF9 turntable (thanks prix!) and am very happy with it. Even for a mechanically challenged person like myself, it was very easy to set up. The cartridge and arm comee already attached, and there is a bubble level built in so it is easy to level. Also, it has a pushbutton to change speeds from 33 to 45, which is alot easier than other TT's where you have to change a belt or somethin'. Music Hall also has an inexpensive phono stage ($100 or so) that you could use for the time being. That's what I"m using at the moment. Here is the link to the MMF-9:

http://www.musichallaudio.com/products/products.asp?lookup=mmf%209


Glad you like the table, George!:righton: For the money, I think the Music Hall tables are superb. They sound wonderful and for an audiophile unit, are extremely easy to set up and operate. That is quite nice having a speed changing feature on the 9. In the past, I've tended to not play 45s just because I never felt like the pain of removing the platter and changing the belt after every other song. I also happen to think the Scout is a phenomenal table and an excellent value. If I had to compare the two, I would say that the Scout is better built and a tad cleaner sounding but can also come across as thin. The Music Hall seems more musical, and slightly more robust. Dreamcatcher, does your CJ have a phono stage? I'm not sure what you mean there.

[mcow1]

Originally posted by FLEMKE
I cannot say what the best way to set your system up is,but I will say that the Scout sounds better than any digital player I have ever heard. The cartridge I am using is a Dynavector DV-20X. Enjoy!

Tim
Same here 20x-h on recommendation of Harry, the designer of the T/T. As a matter of fact VPI like the combo so much they sell it themselves.

[Wie Gehts?]

Originally posted by prix
Dreamcatcher, does your CJ have a phono stage? I'm not sure what you mean there.

Prix,

My c-j is a linestage only; it does not include a phono section. At the time I bought it, I foolishly assumed I would never want to spin licorice pizzas again. I did a search for "outboard phono stage" on the Vinyl Asylum forum and unearthed quite a bit of info on this topic.

Many thanks to all who proffered suggestions! :)

[FLEMKE]

Dreamcatcher
I would consider the EAR 834. Much has been said about this phono pre. When they go up for sale on Audiogon, they last about 1 day. From what I have read the model without the volume control is the one to get.
Tim

[GregM]

I'm using the Scout with the Aurum Beta S. Of equal importance to the cartridge choice is isolation. Unless you have a very good shelf, I consider the BDR kit made specifically for the Scout to be essential.

http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ABDRSCOUTKIT

[pick-me-up]

Dreamcatcher,
My Scout/JMW-9 has a Shure V15. Sounds great.
VPI likes the V15 as a match....I asked!

Another cart mentioned was the Grado Sonata (which, I think, comes in two forms: high and low output).

The V15 is liked by VPI, and our Forum host (SH), it has a replaceable stylus, and only costs $199.

VPI also sells Scouts with Dynavector 10's and 20's--so I they must like them as well.

Hope you find one you like. The Scout is terrific!

Mark


HI Rivendell61!

Lucky you *s*

If I had the money, I’d love to buy this combo too …
/JJ

P.S. I wonder which budget phono pre amp gives most bang for the buck? Perhaps 150 dollars and more.

[Tullman]

I'm preparing to get back into vinyl and have decided on the subject turntable/tonearm combination but remain undecided as to which cartridge would be appropriate.

I have a conrad-johnson tube preamp but it's a linestage only, so of course I'll also need to acquire a phono stage. Does it make sense to use a separate phono stage with my existing pre and if so, what are some decent ones?

I plan on soliciting suggestions from the folks at Red Trumpet and Music Direct but would enjoy hearing your recommendations, as well. Thanks in advance!

Doesn't conrad johnson have a phono stage upgrade?

[Danny Kaey]

IMHO, i'd most definitley consider a Shelter 501 mkII or if you want to go really nice the 901. A very beautiful cartridge indeed... unless you want bragging rights with fellow audiophiles concerning brand names and such... :)