VPI Scout Turntable w/New Hana EH Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge

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General:
VPI makes some beautiful turntables and their Scout series have been a strong seller for this New Jersey based company for years. It's built very well and features great vibration isolation that's perfect for the vinyl enthusiast.

We're selling this 'table paired and mounted with a brand new Hana EH Moving-Coil (MC) phono cartridge. We feel this cartridge matches this turntable well in both price and performance.

From Hana "The Hana EH high-output moving coil cartridge represents the best way to upgrade from “starter” MM cartridges that typically come packaged with most entry-level turntables. Weighing in at only 5 grams, and possessing great tracking ability, the Hana EH cartridge’s distinctive moss-green body houses a special cross-coil generator, reproducing great bass and dynamics. The elliptical stylus mounted to an aluminum cantilever easily extracts the music in the groove as it effortlessly traces your LPs.

The EH is plug-and-play compatible with Moving-Magnet (MM) phono stages found in integrated amplifiers and AV receivers."

The drive motor and drive belt were both replaced at our shop with official replacement parts sourced directly from VPI.

Your purchase includes the 'table, original packing and box, and the accessories shown in our listing photos: VPI record clamp, small alan wrenches, scale, and the VPI alignment jig.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very good condition with only minor signs of wear on the tonearm.

Brand Background:
VPI Industries is a family owned, high-end audio manufacturer that has been in business for over 35 years. Although best known for their high-end turntables, VPI have recently introduced the Player and Clifford models which offer similar performance at an approachable price. Their VPI Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) are the industry standard for collectors and record shops alike. VPI components are designed and built in Cliffwood, New Jersey.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA phono output. IEC power input on motor

General Sound:
Neutral sound with little to no coloration

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Two-speed, belt-drive turntable with unipivot tonearm.
Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45rpm
Wow & Flutter: <0.02%
Rumble: <–78 dB 
Speed Accuracy: within 1%
Platter Runout: ±0.001"
Tonearm Pivot–Spindle Distance: 223mm
Effective Tonearm Length: 240.7mm
Effective Tonearm Mass: 10.2gm
Headshell Offset Angle: 22.85°
Overhang: 17.7mm

Dimensions:
15" (380mm) W by 8.5" (215mm) H by 19" (480mm) D.

Weight:
32 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.