VPI Scout 1.1 vs Technics SL-1210M5G

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
edited January 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
Direct Drive vs Belt Drive. Looking forward to this..


Any thoughts??
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2013
    Well as much as I love the 1200, I don't think this is going to be much of a contest. I also don't think this would be a fair direct drive to belt drive comparison, as the VPI is several wrongs up the latter from the 1200. If you were to make a more even comparison between belt drive and direct drive, I would compare the VPI against a Technics SP 10, any of the upper end Sony Biotracers, or some of the upper end Micro Seikki, Denon, Yamaha, or JVC direct drives.

    I'm listening to a decked out PS-X75 Biotracer right now with a Shelter 501 II cart, copper and carbon fiber platter mat, copper center weight, copper and alloy outer ring, and custom footers that I would not hesitate to put up against the Scout and it's a direct drive table.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2013
    Hey Larry, Congrats on your new Scout 1.1 I think you will be pleased with the VPI and I'm looking forward to your comparisons between the two tables.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2013
    Congrats on the new table. I too will be anxious to here your impressions of it and how they compare!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited November 2013
    Thanks guys!! I am honestly hoping the VPI wins, and I have a good feeling it will..
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited November 2013
    Depends if anything has been done to the technics? A upgraded technics would give it some competition.
    Also one will require more maintenance vs the other as well as chaning speeds if you have 45's.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited November 2013
    The technics is in stock form..
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited November 2013
    Then my guess is the vpi. Besides the vpi looks better!
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited November 2013
    Hey Larry congrats on you VPI..
    On that note I hope you really don't notice a difference, are you going to use your Dynavector on the VPI?
    I feel that a TT's sound is 90% related to the cart, if you notice a large improvement I might have to consider a move up the rung..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited November 2013
    I am going to use the Dynavector...
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    First impressions, The VPI win, hands down..

    The technics is a lot easier to set up, comes with a dust cover, and I love the LED's, and let's not forget they are built like a tank.

    The VPI platter is very impressive, nice thick heavy, machined T6 aluminum, the tone arm is beautiful, set up took a little while but was fun to do, not that it was hard, just have to take your time..

    I was really hoping for better detail, and I'm getting it, I know I can fine tune it a little more, with a few little tweaks, and I plan to do so..

    I plan to build my own dust cover..

    I love my technics, but so far I can see the VPI being a keeper..
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    For that level of table, I would highly recommend one of these:
    http://www.elusivedisc.com/MUSICAL-SURROUNDINGS-FOSGATE-FOZGOMETER-AZIMUTH-RANGE-METER/productinfo/FOSARM/

    The way VPI has you set azimuth only gets things in the ball park. A little tweaking with this meter really brings everything into focus. I bought one shortly before I took delivery of my VPI Classic 3, and man I'm glad I did. I first tried it on my Music Hall MMF-7, and was stunned by the difference it made. Then, even though my VPI was setup by the dealer, it was slightly out of whack when it arrived. Without this it would have been a major hassle to get things aligned perfectly. It's honestly some of the best money I've spent on a vinyl accessory.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2013
    Larry, Glad to hear you are enjoying the Scout, a lot of table for the money. I recommend this also http://www.musicdirect.com/p-11961-soundsmith-counter-intuitive.aspx

    It makes dialing in VTA and Azimuth much easier!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Larry, Glad to hear you are enjoying the Scout, a lot of table for the money. I recommend this also http://www.musicdirect.com/p-11961-soundsmith-counter-intuitive.aspx

    It makes dialing in VTA and Azimuth much easier!

    Thanks Mike!!!

    That will be ordered today..
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2013
    Glad your enjoying the VPI! That's a really nice table!
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    Totally forgot about the counter-intuitive. Mike is right. It is a must-have item. I can't imagine how frustrating it would have been to do the setup without it.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    What stylus force gauge do you guys use?
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    cmy330go wrote: »
    Totally forgot about the counter-intuitive. Mike is right. It is a must-have item. I can't imagine how frustrating it would have been to do the setup without it.

    Well, yes and no, it kinda was, but I went into it knowing I had the house to my self, and just took my time, but I do want the tools to fine tune it, and tweak it a little more..
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2013
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    What stylus force gauge do you guys use?

    This is what I use http://www.musicdirect.com/p-204-audio-additives-digital-stylus-force-gauge.aspx I prefer it over the gauge that came with your table
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    This is what I use http://www.musicdirect.com/p-204-audio-additives-digital-stylus-force-gauge.aspx I prefer it over the gauge that came with your table

    I use that same one. Very accurate. The 5 gram reference weight it comes with dials in at 4.998 on mine. Can't beat an $80 gauge that is accurate out to thousandths of a gram.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    This is what I use http://www.musicdirect.com/p-204-audio-additives-digital-stylus-force-gauge.aspx I prefer it over the gauge that came with your table

    Thanks Mike, I ordered that as well..
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    This VPI is stellar!!! After more listening, I have a much blacker background, and the image seems to be more forward, everything seems to be in its place..

    My NIN albums sound so good, I definitely have deeper, tight bass, it's awesome. I pushed my system to 1:00 and I never listen at that volume, and I have no issues, crisp, clean, and vibrations hurting the table, I couldn't do that with the Technics.

    The albums that would give me woofer rumble with the technics at certain volumes, I have no issues with the VPI, The VPI seems to be giving me better isolation..

    Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated...
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2013
    If nothing else, VPI has solid plinths and true platters that make for a solid platform. I can only imagine just how good the Scout sounds coupled into your system Larry, I would love to hear it some day. N'joy!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited December 2013
    Any thoughts on using a Herbies Turntable mat with a VPI?
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited December 2013
    FWIW I've been taking VPI's recommendation on my Classic to not use a mat, and I've been really satisfied thus far. However if you're looking to tame things down slightly, I could see how it might be useful.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited December 2013
    cmy330go wrote: »
    FWIW I've been taking VPI's recommendation on my Classic to not use a mat, and I've been really satisfied thus far. However if you're looking to tame things down slightly, I could see how it might be useful.

    I also don't use a mat on our Classic, when using a mat on the Classic you don't get that "vacuum suction" that really sucks the vinyl to the platter. I can't comment on the 1.1 that Larry owns. Any pictures I've seen of that model show it sporting a mat.

    At any rate, the Herbies mat gets favorable comments on the www.
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited December 2013
    So Larry you are very Happy with the VPI That's Great..
    I am thinking of the upgrade as well to the same table I can get a used one here with a used 10x5 for just under $2000 both in mint condition..the 10x5 has about 60hrs on it..
    is that a Good deal
    I will also be ordering the other adjustment tools others have mentioned in this thread..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • lancelock1
    lancelock1 Posts: 3
    edited January 2014
    I own the VPI Scout 1.1 with a Soundsmith Zepher cart. Definitely the last turntable I will ever buy.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited January 2014
    I can think of so many places to spend money upgrading before I'd even upgrade my Traveler. Scout must be amazing.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited January 2014
    lancelock1 wrote: »
    I own the VPI Scout 1.1 with a Soundsmith Zepher cart. Definitely the last turntable I will ever buy.


    Agreed, this is my last table..
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    edited January 2014
    nspindel wrote: »
    I can think of so many places to spend money upgrading before I'd even upgrade my Traveler. Scout must be amazing.

    That's where I'm at now, I know my W4S gear is not a last stop...
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