The VPI Scout 21 turntable combines a substantial 10.5-pound aluminum platter, belt-drive operation, and improved isolation for precise high-performance vinyl playback. Its included JMW-9 unipivot tonearm offers adjustable VTA, azimuth, tracking force, and VPI copper-weave internal wiring for detailed cartridge setup. The Scout 21 supports both 33 and 45 RPM records while delivering manufacturer-rated 0.08% wow and flutter and 0.08% speed accuracy. With an extensive setup accessory package and multiple VPI upgrade options, the Scout 21 provides a flexible platform for serious analog audio systems.
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VPI Scout 21 Turntable

The VPI Scout 21 is a high-performance belt-drive turntable built for vinyl listeners who want precise setup flexibility, substantial construction, and an upgrade-friendly analog platform. Evolving from VPI's Prime Scout design, the Scout 21 combines a vinyl-wrapped MDF and steel chassis with improved isolation feet, a separate 300 RPM motor assembly, and an 11.5-inch aluminum platter weighing 10.5 pounds to provide a stable foundation for record playback. The included VPI JMW-9 unipivot tonearm features VPI copper-weave internal wiring, adjustable VTA, azimuth adjustment, and a precision Lemo connection, giving users extensive control over cartridge setup and alignment. Playback supports both 33 and 45 RPM records through the belt-and-pulley drive system, while manufacturer specifications include 0.08% wow and flutter, 0.08% speed accuracy, and greater than 78 dB-down rumble. A record clamp, digital stylus force gauge, alignment jig, cartridge mounting hardware, and other setup essentials are included, making the Scout 21 a comprehensive audiophile turntable platform with multiple VPI upgrade paths available.

What It's Good At:

• Stable, low-noise vinyl playback: The substantial 10.5-pound aluminum platter, isolated chassis design, and improved adjustable isolation feet help provide a stable foundation for accurate record playback.
• Precision cartridge setup: The JMW-9 tonearm provides adjustable VTA, azimuth, counterweight positioning, and detailed cartridge alignment capability for fine-tuning a phono cartridge.
• Flexible 33 and 45 RPM playback: The belt-drive system accommodates both standard LP and 45 RPM playback through dedicated positions on the motor pulley.
• Detailed analog performance: Manufacturer specifications of 0.08% wow and flutter, 0.08% speed accuracy, and greater than 78 dB-down rumble support consistent, controlled playback.
• Comprehensive setup accessories: The Scout 21 includes a record clamp, digital stylus force gauge, JMW-9 alignment jig, cartridge hardware, drive belt, and other essential components for installation.
• Long-term upgrade potential: Available VPI upgrades include the Prime Platter, JMW-9-3D tonearm, Analog Drive System, Signature Center Weight, and VTA On-the-Fly Arm Base.

VPI Scout 21 Turntable Full Specifications:

• Product: VPI Scout 21 Turntable
• Drive System: Belt drive
• Supported Playback Speeds: 33 RPM and 45 RPM
• Speed Selection: Belt position on motor pulley
• Chassis Composition: Vinyl-wrapped MDF and steel
• Motor: 300 RPM AC motor
• Motor Configuration: Separate motor pod assembly
• Motor Pulley Tolerance: ±0.0005 inch
• Isolation: Improved adjustable Delrin isolation feet
• Platter: Aluminum
• Platter Diameter: 11.5 inches
• Platter Weight: 10.5 lb
• Platter Runout: ±0.001 inch
• Wow and Flutter: 0.08% WRMS
• Speed Accuracy: 0.08%
• Rumble: Greater than 78 dB down per manual minimum specification; product page lists 78 dB down
• Footprint: 18.5 in L × 14.5 in W
• Overall Dimensions: 19 in L × 15 in W × 8.5 in H
• Total Weight: 32 lb
• Included Tonearm: VPI JMW-9
• Tonearm Bearing Type: Unipivot
• Tonearm Material: Aluminum and steel
• Tonearm Internal Wiring: VPI copper weave
• Pivot-to-Spindle Distance: 223 mm
• Tonearm Effective Length: 240.7 mm
• Tonearm Effective Mass: 10.2 g
• Tonearm Overhang: 17.7 mm
• Tonearm Offset Angle: 22.85°
• Average RMS Distortion: 0.36%
• Tonearm Counterweight: Adjustable drop counterweight
• Azimuth Adjustment: Adjustable
• VTA Adjustment: Adjustable vertical tracking angle
• Tonearm Connection: Lemo connection
• Anti-Skate: Tonearm wire provides anti-skate bias; mechanical anti-skate provision is also described in the manual
• Tracking-Force Adjustment: Counterweight moves forward or backward on the tonearm shaft
• Cartridge Alignment: JMW-9 alignment jig supplied
• Cartridge Mounting Compatibility: Supplied hardware supports cartridges using 2.5 mm standard metric mounting threads; pass-through cartridge designs use their appropriate cartridge hardware
• Included Turntable Platter: Yes
• Included Motor Pod Assembly: Yes
• Included Scout 21 Chassis: Yes
• Included JMW Tonearm: Yes
• Included Record Clamp: Yes
• Included Digital Stylus Force Gauge: Yes
• Included JMW-9 Alignment Jig: Yes
• Included Cartridge Mounting Hardware: Yes
• Included Drive Belt: Yes
• Included Power Cord: Provided for applicable 115V/110V-market units as specified in the manual
• Cartridge: Not listed among the manufacturer's supplied packing-list components
• Recommended Installation Surface: Flat and level
• Level Adjustment: Delrin isolation feet can be rotated to level the turntable
• Recommended Break-In: At least 20 hours
• Standard Platter Bearing Lubrication Interval: No additional lubrication required for at least one year from initial setup
• Standard Platter Bearing Lubricant: Three drops of 40-weight motor oil in the spindle hole when lubrication becomes necessary
• Motor Lubrication: One drop of 40-weight motor oil below the black drive pulley on the brass component after at least one year of use
• Upgraded Platter Lubrication: Super Lube PTFE lubricant applied directly to the bearing ball when service is required

VPI Scout 21 Turntable Q&A:

What components are included with the VPI Scout 21 turntable?

The manufacturer's packing list includes the Scout 21 chassis, aluminum platter, motor pod assembly, JMW tonearm, record clamp, digital stylus force gauge, cartridge hardware, drive belt, JMW-9 alignment jig, and a power cord for applicable markets.

Can the VPI Scout 21 play both 33 and 45 RPM records?

Yes. For 33 RPM playback, the belt is positioned on the upper section of the motor pulley; for 45 RPM playback, it is moved to the lower, wider section.

What tonearm comes with the VPI Scout 21?

The Scout 21 includes VPI's JMW-9 unipivot tonearm. It features a 240.7 mm effective length, 10.2 g effective mass, VPI copper-weave internal wiring, adjustable VTA and azimuth, and a Lemo connection.

Does the VPI Scout 21 include a phono cartridge?

A cartridge is not listed in VPI's Scout 21 packing list. Cartridge mounting hardware and an alignment jig are included, allowing a compatible cartridge to be installed and precisely aligned.

How much space does the VPI Scout 21 require?

The turntable measures 19 inches long × 15 inches wide × 8.5 inches high, with an 18.5 × 14.5-inch footprint. Its total weight is approximately 32 pounds, so a sturdy, flat, level support surface is recommended.

How adjustable is the Scout 21 for cartridge setup?

The JMW-9 provides adjustment for tracking force, VTA, and azimuth, while the supplied digital stylus force gauge and alignment jig assist with accurate cartridge installation. Adjustable isolation feet also allow the turntable itself to be leveled.