currently own a vpi scout, looking to upgrade

Could you post the rest of your system? Cart, phono pre, amp, cables, speakers, isolation devices, etc?

As Macbuddah and Stringreen suggested, the Scout has an upgradeable path and maybe you could find better synergy by experimenting with different ancillary equipments. Who knows, maybe a better cart or phono pre would do.

The Scout is good enough to hold on with many TTs costing much more. I owned one for a few years and it paired extremely well with the DV P-75 (in enhancer mode) and DV 17D3.

Just play around the Scout to see what happens.

It's a matter of taste and NEVER about which one is better.

Some people (including me) prefer the Rega over the VPI because of the richness and musicality of the Rega compared to the "revealing" nature of the VPI deck.

Please note that "revealing" does not mean harsh or over the edge. It just sound more analytical to my ears, nothing more, nothing less.

I owned the original Scout when it first came out and it sounded superb with my DV 10xGold L/DV P-75 combo. Cannot comment on new model but I'm extremely satisfied with Rega now.

Luckily I have a great friend who owns a local dealer. I visit often allowing me to listen to great tables for long periods of time.

Based on multiple listening sessions, I would only upgrade to a Townshend Rock 7. Again, a matter of preference.

It all boils down to taste and synergy?