Comparsion of VPI Scout vs. Clearaudio Champion turntables

[David P. Hill]

Does anybody out there have a VPI Scout turntable or a Clearaudio Champion Level 1 or 2? I have been looking at the VPI Scout for the last couple of weeks. I really like the Scout. I have read some reviews on the Scout. Pretty positive! It has upgradeables like a flywheel and SDC controller. For the money, $1500 it's great machine. I have seen pictures of the Champion. It is about the same price range. New some input please.
Thanks.:cool:

[Sckott]

VPI was on my mind on my next upgrade, but I'd really want to try a built Teres table. Have you tried asking on the vinyl asylum at www.audioasylum.com?

[cjk1026]

I have a Clearaudio Champion basic model. It was just under $2,000 w/cart & arm. You can see my profile for the upgrades it came with. Thought about VPI Scout & MKIII, Project RM-9, Basis 1400 and a few others.

Picked the Clearaudio for the following reasons (not in order of importance):
1. Good reputation - Clearaudio has been around for quite some time.
2. Dealer nearby - I'm not very mechanically inclined and TT's need good setup and maintenance.
3. Aesthetics - My wife wanted something simple, yet semi-modern looking.
4. Upgradeable - You can easily upgrade this unit to a pretty high level of performance. With no price penalty, I might add.
5. Price - Most dealers are making decent deals on this unit. There seems to be $200-400 of negotiation area.

I'm sure just about all the TT's mentioned above would sound excellent. My Champion sounds fantastic and seems to be built very solidly. It's dead quiet and comes with the same motor used on some $10,000+ TT's. Let us know what you decide and how it works out.

Regards,
Chris

[akshobhyavajra]

It was rumored that the VPI would not be upgradable. The manufacturer replied with the following comment on the audioasylum.com message board and I thought I'd share it for those who might be interested in the comparison:

"The Scout is fully upgradeable to a TNT HR-X when it is available. You just trade it in at full value for the more expensive model.

For normal people, you can put the TNT-5 platter and bearing on the Scout, the big flywheel, and the SDS. Later you can change to the Aries chassis. You have then walked into the Aries using an escalator insead of an elevator.

As far as the arm goes, as one reviewer said at the NY show after hearing the Scout/JMW-9 "Sonically a fifteen hundred dollar tonearm and you get the table for free". The JMW-9 is comparable sonically to a Graham or RPM. Even better, you buy something made in America and you keep Americans working without paying for importer markups and international shipping. Yes, NJ is still part of America."

Happy Listening!

~Michael~


PS. Audio Advisor currently offers the Scout, tonearm and Dynavector 10x4 cart for $1,495.00, which is a good savings.