VPI PRIME SCOUT TURNTABLE REVIEW. INCLUDES A FEW CARTRIDGES AND CLAMPS/STABILISERS IN THERE TOO

[@gregorypatton360]

I used a prime scout for 2 years and loved every minute of it. I feel the same way about vpi quality and reliability.

[@JoeOrber]

Hi, what turntable are you using now?

[@gregorypatton360]

@@JoeOrber hey joe. Im using an old technics 1300 for now. I plan on u pgrading to a prime or classic from vpi

[@danielgeiger7739]

Nice review. Agree on solid quality and easy of set-up. I have the Super Prime scout with 10.5 inch arm, VTA on the fly, and the heavier 20 lb platter, paired with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC* cartridge. I also mounted once an Ortofon 2M black, and the SS is certainly a bit of an upgrade. The much bigger difference is with phono preamp used. Switched from a Vincent PHO701 to an EAT eglo petite, and it is a clear improvement. Re speed adjustment, VPI makes a separate controller, the ADS. Works great for that and also does 33/45 switch with a button. Only downside is that it takes at least 8 seconds for the motor to spin up from 33 to 45, even if set to just 45. (????) Not a technical defect, I checked with VPI. I have not heard any difference in sound with clamp, so generally leave it off for convenience.

[@markmorrow3250]

Nice review! I have been living with a VPI super Prime Scout for nearly two years now and really enjoy it. The version I have has a heavier plater, 20 lbs. instead of 12 lbs on the standard model. It also has a 10 inch arm compared to the 9 inch on the standard model. The record clamp is also different. All other pieces are the same. I haven’t seen any comparisons of the two, but I would think that the basic character would be similar. I have used an Ortofon 2M black and a SoundSmith Zephyr mimic cartridges. Both perform well, but have different characters. But I was really surprised by how the SoundSmith cartridge offered up a wider, deeper more detailed sound stage yet smoother and with a lower noise floor than the Ortofon. The VPI took place of my long time turntable, a Kyocera belt drive from the late 80’s. The performance of the VPI is significant jump over the Kyocera, just two different worlds.

[@nazaholicable]

Another great video, Paul. Well done. Very informative, comprehensive, and interesting, and about the right length. An added bonus for me was the mention of Jan Akkerman's 'Can't stand noise,' which I've loved since the early 80s. I still play side 2 a lot. 'Journey' is such a fine song, and a good test for hifi.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Many thanks. Glad you like the album :)

[@s.k.3891]

forgot to mention the slight speed adjustments that can be accomplished by using the different indentations on the motor spindle. The middle one is spot on 33 1/3.

[@froidd758]

I have this turntable for 5 yesrs now. It is paired with a Goldring 1012 GX and a Schiit Mani. I know I'm doing a disservice with a cheap cartridge. Looking to upgrade soon with an MC cartridge like a Audio Technica ART 9 or a Bench Micro ACE, or Dynavector 20X2. Also upgrading to a better phono preamp in the 1000 USD range like the Lehmann Cube SE II or a MusicFidelity MX Vinyl or an IFi phono 3. An advise for a good pairing is welcome. MC Cartridge 1000 to 1300 usd. Phono Stage 1000 to 1300 usd TIA.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Thank you for your review. One day I hope to replace my Dual CS 5000 turntable with the Prime Scout 21 with a Ortofon Cadenza RED MC. Then to upgrade my Parasound Zphono ZRM phono pre to their JS3 Jr.

[@1x3dil]

Hi Paul I noticed the fellow hifi reviewer doing the setup bless him , but fear not I still rely on your good self . I would still put my money and probably my heart dam it on a Rega P8 or 10 , yes I’m an old stick in the mud but ha that’s me to a tea . I just love these glimpses at the equipment that is available now , and to know my favourite medium is still at the forefront of hifi technology . Best wishes and kind regards as always. 😀👍👍👍

[@jeremyr722]

That’s my aspirational turntable right there. I sure wish it had a removable headshell tho

[@scottmackay8280]

The uni-pivot tonearm comes off easily. Makes cartridge mounting a breeze. Getting the azimuth right is the tough part.

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Great video Paulhow much is TT about $2300?

[@revelationsoundstudio]

How about a review of the Rega Planar 6?

[@Skyshakerrrr]

A very good American brand. You get what you paid for.

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

Hello Paul, I only hear sound on one side of my headphones. Ah I see others have commented on this. Ok

[@EddieJazzFan]

I drive past the Soundsmith place in New York several times a week. I always wondered how good the cartridges sounded. Have you ever heard the "strain guage" cartridge they make?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I know of the Strain Gauge but never used one in for review. Colleagues tell me it's sublime though.

[@nazaholicable]

Having watched a good many of your KZbin videos I can't recall you reviewing or letting slip your opinion on hi-fi racks. Perhaps they don't merit an in depth discussion? Perhaps you deliberating over glass shelves (with or without isolation platforms) versus decoupled bread-board-like shelves is not a pure hi-fi topic, but I'd love to know your thoughts. Sceptic of manufacturer claims to a degree? Unable to say? I ask you this purely out of interest. I did hear you refer to the power cables provided by source components as kettle-like, for example.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would scan this section on my website which features reviews of HiFi racks, isolation platforms, wall-mount shelves and a host of other stuff: theaudiophileman.com/category/hifi-reviews/accessory-review/page/3/

[@CHICO976]

Love your videos...however, imo to pay those kind of prices for a turntable is not something I would do even if I could afford it..at my age of 84 hearing a high end turntable would'nt mean anything to me ..I use a Fluance RT-85 with a Ortofon 2m blue cart and a Taya lp-100 with a Shure V15II cart...they are both very good sounding fed through my Kenwood KA-5500 amp..into B&W DM-6 speakers ..and I don't intend on buying another tt..period

[@JoeOrber]

And I think you have a very good setup there, it should sound awesome

[@andrewwatkins7737]

Thanks for another informative review Paul. How does the prime scout compare to the project extension 10 that you reviewed last year with the improved power supply? I am thinking of purchasing and these two were high on my list. Vinyl is of secondary importance. to cd and steaming . I run an Accuphase E 650 integrated class A amp with sonus Faber Olympica nova speakers and nordost .tyre cabling . An Accuphase dp750 Sacd player and a Naim Nd 555 streamer and power supply in a treated 5m x 5m room. Love your reviews 😀

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Not sure because I haven't done the A-B, Andrew. Both are excellent and, if you chose either, you won't be disappointed. Although you do need the upgraded power supply on the 10.

[@andrewwatkins7737]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks Paul - they don’t sell the extension 10 with the new power supply in New Zealand where I am as it doesn’t appear to have been approved. Alex Brady a friend of mine indicated that he may be able to find me one when he is in Europe shortly - he is going to the Munich show and works for Nordost . He showed me an amazing specialist burndy cable they have just developed that I have purchased to connect my Naim 555 streamer to the 555 power supply. It is significantly better than the naim equivalent. Keep up the great work

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@andrewwatkins7737 Thanks for your kind words, Andrew and let me know how you get on. How do you rate the Naim, incidentally?

[@andrewwatkins7737]

@@TheAudiophileMan The Naim 555 and power supply are brilliant but they should be at that price! Even so when I play high rias Qobuz tracks like Nick drake against the standard CD in my Accuphase player the CD always sounds more lifelike , immediate and engaging with a wider soundstage . I have returned to thinking that CDs will generally out do even the best streamer. Your choice for the best turntable between £ 8-10 k . Thinking an SME 6 or 15 ?? How do I subscribe to patreon ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

My thoughts exactly on streaming, Andrew - in fact, I said as much in the recent Silent Angel transport review. Glad you're hearing the differences. Some of my early kit was Naim based so it's good to hear it's performing well :) My Patreon page is here: www.patreon.com/audiophileman. I've started a HiFi Tour on there. Part one looks at one of my favourite decks (which partly answers your other question) the Origin Live Sovereign. You might want to see that one for more info on why :) I think SME offers classic fare but they're off the pace these days. Another option is AVID. The latter will feature in a later HiFi Tour episode, incidentally.

[@julesbarry2081]

Why is your voice coming out of the left channel only through my headphones, when the music plays the music is coming out In stereo? .

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Apologies, as I explained elsewhere in these comments, I had a connection issue.

[@CheekyFest]

What happened with the audio!? Only on the left :(

[@TheAudiophileMan]

As I said elsewhere, I was messing with my mic and didn’t push the cable in properly. Normal service will be resumed next time.

[@barneyrubble9309]

Mono sound?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes. I was adjusting my mic, must have had not pushed the plug all the way in. I’ll sort it for next time.

[@mikemcguinness1304]

@@TheAudiophileMan Paul my friend . Can you please review a nottingham analogue spacedeck...I really want to hear your thoughts

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@mikemcguinness1304 You know, I've never really talked to them nor they I. And I've no idea why that's occurred. There's no issues. They're just one of those companies where we seem to have missed each other year on year. It happens. So thanks for the nudge. I must make an effort to say "Hi!"

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Hi Paul, Seems that the Left channel on this latest video is silent. Bяad B.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yea, my fault for messing with the microphone lead. :) I’ll sort it for next time.

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

@@TheAudiophileMan Fortunately I have a monaural switch on my preamp :)

[@markwasilow2173]

How does this compare to a Technics 1200 for $1800?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The Technics isn’t in the same sonic class so any comparison would be unfair.

[@markwasilow2173]

@@TheAudiophileMan I am surprised by your answer? everything I read, the 1200G out performs the VPI Scout sonically.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

See my video on How to Buy HiFi and, in addition to my research recommendations, choose the critic for you. I can only provide my own conclusions based upon my own research.

[@RaviNewfarm]

Can't say I'm a fan of the mono, left channel only audio here.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yep, see my multi replies elsewhere here.

[@jonuiuc]

I got mono sound on this video.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yea, my fault for messing with the microphone lead. :)

[@paullongtailpair3812]

Once I got one in for repair. I've never seen such a bad turntable. Especially the arm is of very poor design. It need a cartridge with very low vertical compliance and standard horizontal compliance. Such a cartridge is as far as I know never build. This turntable is waste of money and material. The mounted Ortofon 2M Black is moved to a much better turntable with a Rega RB303 arm on whitch the Ortofon 2M fit perfectly with a correct arm-cartridge resonance frequency close to 10Hz.

[@adrianp7475]

since when a rega rb303 tonearm is better than a unipivot ????

[@paullongtailpair3812]

@@adrianp7475 All unipivot tonearms are worthless designs and will never work as it should be. All REGA tonearms I have seen were in very good nick with very low baring friction. All the rest i've already explained.

[@adrianp7475]

@@paullongtailpair3812 run to a specialist it's urgent😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@paullongtailpair3812]

@@adrianp7475 That apply to your self. End of story. Period !

[@adrianp7475]

@@paullongtailpair3812 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀