VPI Scout / Analog Drive System - A New Reference

[@ThePressingMatters]

NOTE: The most important part of this video is the section on the anti skate set up. This is the clearest video and photos you'll find on how this is properly set.

[@Metalshock-qn9vs]

Great video. Welcome to the VPI family. Ozwaldo is a great guy. He went above and beyond to help assist me with something non turntable related and I'd never even met him. Look forward to one day meeting him.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much! That is so cool to hear, but I'm not surprised at all. Oz is a wonderful, knowledgeable man, and very willing to help out a fellow enthusiast.

[@kenw.8013]

Congrats on your new TT! The Weisfelds are good peeps and VPI is a great company. I had an HW-19 Jr with Sumiko arm that served me for many years.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! Excellent design, many upgrade paths and a family owned company that takes care of their customers. Thanks so much for watching!

[@tonypenate418]

I very happy that my beloved Scout that gave me many years of great service and sound went to a good home. Congratulations on your purchase, enjoy! You are correct I was not using the anti skating; it work well for me that way. Oswaldo is a wealth of knowledge when it come to Audio specially when it comes to VPI, I’ve had only but positive dealings with Oswaldo.

[@ThePressingMatters]

So wonderful to hear from you Tony! Just a little TLC and your baby is sounding wonderful. It is with a very appreciative owner. The way this all worked out, I think everybody won. I had real doubts about the anti skating device, but Oz persisted and nailed it. Thank you so much for taking such good care of the table. Take care!

[@tonypenate418]

Yes it did. I enjoy your channel.

[@FLOWERINGSPIKES]

The VTA on thy fly is a serious game changer!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I can only imagine. I feel it's going to come at some point soon! I don't know how but I could sell a few choice records and do it!

[@gunnarfolsom6159]

I am a very happy VPI turntable owner. I previously had a Scoutmaster, then I upgraded to a used (like-new) Classic Signature with the SDS. I think this one will be my ‘forever’ table. They are both extremely solid, reliable, and relatively affordable. I love the adjustability and the ease of getting new parts/upgrades. I completely agree with you about the clamp. I think it’s fantastic, and I don’t at all feel the need to upgrade to the periphery ring. Also, you mentioned the armbase upgrade (with VTA ‘on the fly’). My Classic Signature has this, and while some may feel it’s necessary, I don’t find myself constantly changing the VTA. So congrats on your VPI table! I hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I really appreciate hearing from other VPI owners like yourself. The Classic Signature is a beautiful table. These tables are truly extraordinary. I guess not yet having VTA on the fly, it seems a luxury I would use all the time. I guess in reality you only set it once in a while. Thank you so much for saying hello and sharing your experience with the VPI tables!

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

Great looking turntable Scott. I'm sure it will bring years of great listening. I've had a Pioneer PXL-1000 for ten years and have been satisfied with it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelrogers8126]

Hope you have good luck with. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself and have passion for what you love to listen too

[@ThePressingMatters]

This is a really great comment, Micheal. Life and time are precious and indulging my passion sensibly is important to me. I love sharing all this with the viewers too.

[@brianbillings6815]

Very interesting Scott!!! I have the platter mat but no washer with the same clamping system. You and Oswaldo may have just turned me onto improving my turntable. Further, I have the antiskating but don't currently use it as I don't really know how to set it up and Harry, supposedly, doesn't believe in it. Wish I had an Oswaldo to help set mine up!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! This is exactly what I had hoped this video would provide. Some insight on setting this up right. Yes, you must try the bare platter and washer if you have the same clamp. It's not doing its job as you're using it right now. I'm sure you can get the correct washer from VPI. Tell them you saw my video! I will look at my local hardware store to see if they have the same rubber washer and make note of the exact specs for you. I know the history of the antiskate device and Harrys famous statement. I felt it was doing ok without the device, but it's more under control with the device properly installed. I wanted the video to show the exact positioning and action, which I could not find anywhere on the internet. I think this is the most valuable aspect of this video.j

[@paolo60333]

I am a direct drive turntable fan. About 15 years ago tired of belt problems and quibbles I bought a Grand Prix Audio Monaco first version. A fantastic object unfortunately very expensive (I bought a demo unit). There are by now upgraded versions but they cost a fortune. I'm sure I'll never go back to a belt drive turntable. Of course I'm talking about my own experience. But doubtless even your VPI will be very enjoyable (never listened to a VPI model)

[@ThePressingMatters]

There's definitely something to be said about direct drive. Even VPI has had a direct drive in their upper models. I agree belt drive can be finicky, and the ADS is important to minimise speed issues. It does work beautifully. I'll have to search for a picture of your table! Thanks for your comment!

[@tokioPK]

Scott's videos get better as expected but his portaits also get better - the Brag'miester!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hey it's show-biz, lol

[@tlow0510]

Great video and the new turntable looks great. I have a Rega P10. Rega is the opposite of VPI in that they craft their cartridges to have built in tolerances for VTA and antiskate. There is famously no VTA adjustment for Rega turntables outside of custom modding and the antiskate required some fiddling despite measurements on the tonearm gauge. I used the Analogue Productions test record to set up the antiskate. Once the rega cartridge stylus (I have the Apheta 3) seats into the record it is surprisingly accommodating into a variety of records, especially the AP test record. Different approaches to great sound is fascinating feats of engineering.

[@fueledbylove]

Nice table. Oracle had the screw-down clamp thing ages ago. It really does couple the LP and the platen. Enjoy!

[@johndeuble64]

Mr Wilson. VPI is a solid, American made, great value for the money product. I have some myself. You’re good for a while!! Ttysoon. John D

[@leonardpirrello1806]

I went between the VPI and the Clearaudio performance dc and decided on the Clearaudio basically because like you said the VPI is a turntable with alot of tweaking available and I performed a straight forward turntable. Nice addition

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Leonard, I certainly appreciate simplicity, as evidenced by my choice of the Basis years ago. VPI was a little intimidating, for sure, but as I learn how each setting is done, it becomes less so. I think the biggest obstacle is getting used to a unipivot arm over a gimbal design. Yet part of me appreciates that I can do every possible adjustment. You can really zero in and be precise.

[@FleagleSangria]

Dang Scott I’m out of pocket from your channel for a couple of vacation months and you become a full blown gear head! ;) Cool set up buddy, VPI product is something I am also eyeballing! Happy listening😎👍🏻🎸

[@ThePressingMatters]

There you are! I hope you had some relaxing time off. Yes the speakers and turntable upgrades were not planned but just fell in my lap. What a difference! Both were weak points obviously. It became very apparent with each step, and together, the system really is working as a whole to communicate the musical message.

[@paulmacdowell4010]

Hi Scott, Congratulations on your VPI table. I have owned the VPI TNT HRX for years and have been completely happy with it. Since my collection includes many RCA discs from the days of chronic warping I've found the periphery ring to be invaluable. For most audiophile 180g pressings, not so much. Wishing you many years of music-filled enjoyment.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Paul, Thanks so much for your comment. Your table is a beauty, and I bet it sounds fantastic! I'm hoping a periphery ring turns up used with Oswaldo. I'd surely love to add it to my table. Thanks again for watching!

[@carravagio16]

man that is a beautiful croton out your window. enjoy the channel and content. i thought about the vpi clifwood but never pulled the trigger

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks! Yes, it so pretty to see every day outside my window. I love having that view in the videos and is why I have to put up with varying lighting conditions. I think it's worth it. People say it makes them feel calm :-) I don't know much about the Cliffwood, but I think I'd want as adjustable a table as possible. Maybe search used in your area and you might stumble upon a higher level model for the same price as a new Cliffwood. I'm definitely a believer in buying well kept used equipment. Thank you for watching!

[@jeffreywoodke]

Congrats, looks awesome!!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks! Wait till I perform the platter polishing on video. Really makes it pop like a jewel!

[@amosperrine1909]

Very nice. I recently upgraded my near 40 year old SOTA, and added an Origin Live arm and Keiski Purple Heart cartridge and EAT phono stage.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wow that sounds like a killer set up!

[@TheJoelSwaney]

Great content. I have a VPI on my main system and it does everything you said. My office system which I listen to 85% of the time is a high end Project that I got super cheap. I like it a lot, but your video of buying a used VPI is making me consider a switch.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your comment! I will probably do a video on the virtues of buying used. It's incredible what you can obtain for half off. And audiophiles tend to baby their stuff so it's a great way to acquire near mint equipment for a song, usually just a couple of years old!

[@enriquedroguett4602]

This is a nice video. Sharing experiences in turntable setup is very relevant for all of us. Thanks Scott! I myself enjoy watching these videos, particularly the ones not related to my setup (I use a tangencial tonearm from Bergman).

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you Enrique! One of the main things here was to have a clear depiction of how the anti skate is properly installed. This information was very hard to come by, so I hope my video will help someone else who is t sure they have it right.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Dear Scott, first of all thanks for the kind words towards myself and of course the awesome folks at VPI. Honestly, combine a family-owned business for over 45 years, Made in the USA, and products delivering top-notch performance, and it doesn't get much better than that! Incidentally, something that you did not exactly explain in this video - which with your permission, I will mention for the benefit of others seeing this - is that your particular Scout sports the full-size, 12" diameter, 2" tall Classic platter instead of the original 11.5" diameter, 1.5" tall, stock platter. This is a rather important upgrade because it adds more mass with yields better sonics & isolation, steadier rotational speed, - and last but not least - the ability to use a VPI Periphery Ring should you ever want to in the future. Once again, thanks for placing your trust in me and your friendship. All my best, Oz LTBS

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Oz, That's a good point. I think it was covered in the previous two videos but it beats repeating. The Classic platter elevated the performance of this table. The work you've done for this and the performance you managed to squeeze out of it is analog heaven. I enjoy my system now just as much as some setups that far exceed the price tag of mine. You and I took this step by step and created a great sounding system for a reasonable cost. I'd like us to collaborate on a video about buying used as a path to audio nirvana😇 Thanks so much for reaching out right here years ago and offering help. You're the best!

[@AndrewJerome-e8m]

Lowe Glen

[@Dave30867]

I have always wanted VPI Scout for a longtime now but the price is out of my budget .

[@ThePressingMatters]

Well, maybe you can come across a deal on a nice used one like this. I think Oz was planning to sell this for $1,500 or so. The Classic platter alone was a 1,000 upgrade for the previous owner so I feel I got a good deal. Maybe with a trade in you could swing something like that. If I've learned anything in the last few upgrades, quality used equipment is a steal. With trade ins even more so.

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

You don't have to BRAG about it... 😀 Oh never mind, I would!

[@ThePressingMatters]

😆 No, I just feel that it's important for viewers to know what I'm listening on, especially with several important comparisons for major releases coming up. I feel more confident than ever to discuss the sound of various releases. It's a more resolving system. This upgrade wasn't too painful. Traded out a 20 year old turntable directly for this one, and just spent for the speed controller. It's amazing what you can do on a diet of ramen noodles!

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

@@ThePressingMatters Good man... 🤓👍

[@rambojohn763]

Nice nicw❤❤❤❤❤

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! 😀

[@chrismckee4154]

She how much would a setup like yours cost brand new?

[@sspe]

Hi, Scott. A VPI TNT was my first "good" turntable. After a few years I decided that I wanted to be able to switch easily between mono and stereo carts so switched to a Technics 1200G. Going to Miami today, any record store recs? Thanks

[@ThePressingMatters]

Either are great choices . The Technics certainly has an advantage in that regard. I bet it sounds great too. I don't know of many stores around here. There's one called Sweat Records, Technique in my area but I rarely go. I don't know of a truly great Miami record store.

[@sspe]

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks for the reply, didn't have enough time as it turned out. Flying back home, had layover at SEATAC and they had a SUBPOP store in the airport with quite a few good records.

[@dirkbusche54]

With my Scout 1.1 I use two belts. Does that sound better? Shure, it does!!!!

[@audiophileman7047]

Maybe you need 3 belts or 4 belts or 5 belts. This is a good example of "the law of diminishing returns". I prefer accurate direct drive turntables; there are no belts to worry about.

[@ThePressingMatters]

If I get the ADS pulley, it will allow for two belts if I choose. I do wonder what the sonic effect would be?

[@ThePressingMatters]

VPi reserves the direct drive model for the top of the line, so that tells you something right there!

[@dirkbusche54]

@@audiophileman7047 I prefer my DirectDrives (Denon DP 3000NE, SL1210GR) too!!!

[@dirkbusche54]

@@ThePressingMatters It works too with the standard pulley of my Scout 1.1

[@keng888]

Scott, what cartridge are you using?

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm using the Hana ML

[@audiophileman7047]

You may notice that I don't comment on your gear demo's and reviews. You're getting into the nebulous world of costly diminishing returns as you start "running down a dream", as Tom Petty once sang. I still have my mid grade Technics direct drive quartz lock turntable I bought back in 1984. I upgraded the cartridge to a GRADO Prestige Series model. I get great value and great sound. There's more money to spend on guitars, vinyl records, and other things. Life is good. 😎

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's ok, it's always good to hear from you. I keep my life pretty simple, and this is my only hobby. I think buying this equipment used has given me a listen to things I would not spend for at retail. It's impossible for me to do so with my income. The last two things (speakers and table) were really weak points in my system. This new set up gives me a better take on the sound of the vinyl I discuss regularly, and it's for this end I have been making small advances. It does get to the point of diminishing returns. I don't think I'm quite there yet, but I can say I prefer my system to several more expensive but poorly matched and improperly set up systems I've heard. I'm feeling I'm in a good place!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters I completely understand where you're coming from. From the very first video of yours that I watched, it was clear that your channel is serious about audiophile recordings. You wouldn't get much credibility playing your records on a suit case record player. As someone who has knowledge of science and engineering as well as electronics, I don't see the value of a lot of the "audiophile" gear. It's very often way way way overpriced for what you're getting. The claims made about the use of special materials to get that last little droplet of sound are often just hype. Do you really think that a sound system that costs $3M offers anything more than bragging rights compared to systems that cost way way way less? Looks like bragging rights are worth $3M to some people who have money to throw away. All of this distracts from what really matters, and that's the music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I am always skeptical of high priced tweaks. Overpriced equipment. I just replaced a "fancy" cable with a decent affordable one and got better results. It is all relative and must be taken case by case

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters The people who market cables are notorious for the hype. It's a certified snake oil business. Attach the word "audiophile" to any vinyl record related product sold and the price rockets to the moon. I'm not on board for the rocket ride. More power to those who have the money for all of this overpriced stuff.

[@celtic-audiophile]

That’s your personal choice, after 20 plus years sticking with fairly basic components, for the last 20 I’ve upgraded significantly and frequently. Each time the piece of equipment is installed into my existing system and left with me. My wife is the ultimate test, if she can’t hear a significant upgrade, (she likes music but not driven by it like me), we don’t buy it. If you don’t believe that changing a cartridge will significantly improve the sound for example, then you’re choosing that path, but the reality is it’s significant not marginal. I listen to an Ortofon demo, playing on the same equipment, and the same record, 6 different carts,and even the cynics in the audience were blown away. The beauty of our hope is there are different paths, the reality on “marginal gains” is that’s real at a level well above anything discussed here, and I’ve yet to experience it at any minuscule level.