I have the opportunity to acquire either of these turntables. I'm thinking I'll start with good condition used instead of committing the money on a new table. Does anyone have experience comparing these tables and can offer an opinion on quality, upgrade possibilities and overall performance preferences.
Thank You
John
The Aries 3 and Scoutmaster are both highly regarded turntables with their own strengths. The Aries 3 is known for its excellent build quality and precise performance, while the Scoutmaster offers a more vintage aesthetic and a unique sound character. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as your linkedin literature review writing services budget, desired sound signature, and any specific features you're looking for in a turntable.
Thank you for the insight and opinions Mat. I am leaning toward the Aries 3 based solely on "I like the look" and having zero experience listening to either table. It comes with a JMW 10.5 and some other upgrades. I'll post more later. I'll be purchasing a cartridge also and would appreciate any suggestions. I only have the capability to use MM at this point but may soon get a phono preamp also.
Those are two fantastic tables! I have a bias for the Aries 3 because it was named after me and marked the moment when VPI/Harry really embraced layered chassis designs (acrylic, aluminum, acrylic). In its standard build, it could house a 10" arm with a VTA base. This period was interesting for VPI, as we were fully exploring our own tonearm designs and figuring out the best way to integrate them with our tables.
Before the Aries, models like the HW-19 and TNT (until the TNT 5/Hot Rod) had separate armboards to accommodate arms from other brands. Rega or Jelco were typical for entry-level tables, while Graham was used on the higher-end models. The Aries, however, was (I believe) the first VPI table specifically designed with our own arm in mind. That’s why you'll see all kinds of arms on an Aries—some early Aries 1 tables even have a JMW 9 tonearm! By the time we reached the Aries 3, the design was essentially finished and resembled a "baby HR-X." Early models had a 600 RPM motor and an 11.5" platter, but later upgrades included a 300 RPM motor and a 12" platter (which became standard with the Classic series).
The Scoutmaster is a personal favorite because it was the table Harry worked on and listened to a lot when I was old enough to appreciate and critically listen to music. The Scoutmaster, like the Aries, is a layered design, and arguably more robust, though it uses MDF as the primary material instead of acrylic. MDF sometimes gets a bad rap for being "budget," but it’s actually a fantastic material to work with and sounds great.
In terms of differences, the Aries and Scoutmaster are very similar. The Scoutmaster has a smaller footprint and typically houses a 9" arm, though it can be upgraded to a 10" arm. However, a Scoutmaster can’t support a 12" arm unless you're going the DIY route. The Aries, on the other hand, is larger, uses different materials that influence the sound, and can support a larger tonearm.
If you have specific links, I can offer more detailed advice. Of course, it's always safer to purchase from a trusted VPI vendor to ensure you get a warranty, but a good deal is a good deal! Hope this helps, and feel free to share more info!