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VPI Aries Scout Turntable with Sumiko Blackbird Cartridge Introduced in 2002 by the family-owned, New Jersey-based manufacturer VPI Industries, the Aries Scout (often referred to as simply the VPI Scout) was designed to deliver true high-end performance at a highly competitive price point.This unit has an amazing Sumiko Blackbird MC cartridge installed (see photos). We have just installed a brand new VPI standard turntable belt.Tested and working.Comes with aftermarket dust cover shown. Dust cover has one faint crack right where it locks down with the record clamp (see last photo).Very light cosmetic wear. Tonearm has light wear at the point where the arm lock touches it (see 2nd to last photo).Comes with Sumiko Blackbird cartridge as shown. Stylus is in very good condition.Local pick up at our brick and mortar store in Milwaukee, WIIn the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demoBuy with confidence: See our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised and backed up by our 14 day full refund policy in the event you are not happy for any reason.
At US$1,850, this asking price is fair but slightly ambitious for a VPI Aries Scout, sitting just above the typical used range of US$1,100–US$1,500 seen on recent listings rather than representing a bargain. While the unit is a respected entry into the Aries lineage, the price exceeds the median used market value, so it isn’t a strong deal unless condition or accessories significantly elevate it beyond standard listings.
The Aries Scout is well-regarded for its fast, detailed sound with a natural midrange and simple setup, earning Class “B” status in STEREOPHILE’s rankings. Its belt-drive design and unipivot tonearm deliver deep, wide dynamics that make it a timeless choice for enthusiasts seeking high performance without complexity. If this listing includes the acrylic dust cover and isolation base mentioned in similar sales, the value improves, making it a worthwhile buy for a clean, original-owner unit at a fair price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
VPI Industries, founded in 1978 by Harry and Sheila Weisfeld in Cliffwood, New Jersey, emerged from a lifelong audiophile's basement workshop as a quintessential American family enterprise. What began with simple record weights and turntable isolation bases quickly evolved into a benchmark for analog precision, driven by Harry's relentless experimentation and Sheila's steadfast support. By 1981, the HW-16 record cleaning machine marked their first enduring hit, cementing VPI's heritage in the vinyl revival long before it became mainstream.
The brand specializes in high-end turntables, tonearms, phonograph accessories, and record cleaning systems, with iconic models like the TNT, Aries, Scout series, and the Classic 30th Anniversary edition showcasing uncompromising engineering. VPI prioritizes mechanical innovation—unibody designs, advanced platters, and air-bearing arms—over diversification into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, or headphones, maintaining a laser focus on the analog front-end.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, VPI commands respect among discerning audiophiles for delivering reference-grade performance at accessible price points relative to rivals. Now led by Harry's son Mat Weisfeld, the company thrives on its reputation for bulletproof reliability, world-class soundstaging, and U.S.-made craftsmanship, making it a cornerstone choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking timeless excellence.
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