Easy set-up, nice JMW arm, ability to swap arm tubes quickly for multiple cartridges, excellent build quality, American-made, upgradability, and terrific sound.

Practically none, although there is no anti-skate in stock form (VPI offers an accessory anti-skate device), not a big deal, though

A little background: back in the day (early 70's), I owned (and still own) my AR-1 turntable with Audio-Tecnica moving magnet cartridge to play my records, and I enjoyed them immensely with the rather limited electronics I had back then. I retired that table (still in perfectly working condition) many, many years ago, and my serious music listening was relegated to CD's, as LPs gave way to newer digital formats. Happily I kept my LPs (which are in mostly excellent condition, as I would record them at first playing onto cassettes---remember those!!), but seeing that vinyl was making a comeback, plus with the fact that I had an additional library of music just sitting there, unplayed for many years, had me thinking. My entire system and room acoustics had gone thru numerous upgrades over the years, and so I decided to upgrade and purchase a new turntable as well. I was excited when VPI first intoduced the Scout, their entry-level 'table, and read the great reviews of that 'table. After the review came out for the next-up level in the Scout line, the Scoutmaster, I made the plunge in 2005, and am I happy!!

First off, the Scoutmaster is beautifully crafted. It's not quite as flashy as some other tables, but it has a nice businesslike manner to its construction. But where it matters most is its sound!! I could not believe my LPs could sound SO good!! There's just a nice naturalness to music. Yes, there's a difference between digital sound and analog. I'm not saying that digital's bad. But music from my VPI is so enjoyable. The 'table is quiet, bass is tight with slam, vocals float in a deep soundstage, highs are airy, and dynamics are terrific. I'm using my Scoutmaster with A Benz-Micro Ace cartridge, which sounds great, but this 'table has me thinking of upgrading to a more expensive cart just to see what more musical surprises are hidden in my LPs. This is a 'table one could live with for the rest of his/her life.

I must add at this point that I have the additional options that enhance the listening experience of my VPI. I highly recommend, no I'd say it's almost mandatory that one adds these options to get ultimate performance, and to realize what this fine 'table can do. First, the outer ring that fits around the periphery of the LP flattens the record on the platter, and adds a flyheel effect. Second, the heavy metal VPI clamp that fits on the spindle also assists the flattening effect and helps damp vibrations from the LP. Then there's the big upgrade option, the SDS motor drive which regenerates clean AC to the motor, and allows speed changes with push-button ease, somehow tightens bass, expands soundstage, and just plain opens up the sound to an unbelievable degree. The pace and rhythym just improves with the SDS motor drive--a must accessory!! CDs were nearly forgotten after adding the SDS!! And I also have my 'table sitting on a Gingko Cloud isolation platform, which in turn is sitting on a Billy Bags audio rack.

Don't be put off by the accessories I mentioned; this 'table is very enjoyable in stock form. Fortunately, one can add on as finances allow and you can enjoy the improvement each accessory brings.

To conclude, I'm happy with my VPI Scoutmaster 'table. I'm digging out records I haven't heard in years, and am rediscovering just how great LPs are!! Now I'm adding to my LP collection as well. I still listen to my Meridian CD player, but records are now moving into prime time listening!!

Next upgrade for my 'table -- the VPI SuperPlatter!!

Who should buy?? A music lover who wants a reliable well-built upgradable 'table that isn't fussy about setup, that's easy to use, and who would like to move up in the VPI line. The basic 'table (minus cartridge) goes for around $2500-$3000 (depending on arm and wiring). It's not inexpensive, but I can happily say that the musical enjoyment makes this worth every cent.

Similar Products Used:

Let's see ---started with an AR-1, Technics direct drive, then Micro-Seiki.