I want to upgrade, But , to which table ?


I'm currently using a belt dr.Pioneer from the 70's.
I have mostly an R&R/Blues album collection. I have been thinking about stepping up to a serious table for a while and am ready to pull the trigger on either a VPI scout, or an Rega 5, or 7 if i can snag one for a good price. I was wondering what you guys would suggest, for my interest's and budget ($1500 or so). Cartridge budget about $500.
Thanks
128x128cubsfan444
Any of the 3 you've mentioned will be like night and day. Having owned a Scout, I highly recommend that table with a Dynavector cartridge. I used a 10X5 and a 17D3 and both were stellar.
Also add JA Michell Gyrodec SE to your list, it's within your price range used, and still highly regarded in the UK press (I used to own one). The VPI Scout is also an excellent choice at this price level.
And Nottingham. Not familiar with VPI and Rega but I heard an opinion that, generally speaking, VPI is "slow" and Rega "hectic".
I bought a VPI Classic and love it. It is much better than the Scout I had several years ago.
Hi Cubsfan, Unlike your Pioneer TT I dont believe these tables include a tonearm.Unless you have an arm (which you didn't mention) your budget will be stretched.
You said you were also looking for a cartridge
No one can (or should)recommend a cartridge without knowing the tonearm it will be mounted to and the gain in the phono stage
Sorry its just not that simple.
Good luck with your team next year and good luck with your turntable selection
You can get a new P5 within that budget, not a P7 though. Not sure what the Scout is going for these days new, but you could certainly get a used one in that range.
Thanks for the responses so far guys. I'll probably allow another $500 for a phono stage. Any suggestions are welcome.
I've recently seen VPI Scoutmasters going for the $1500 range. I've had both the standard and the Signature edition. They come with the JMW9 arm. The Sig is better and more pricey. But the Standard is a good table also and will better the scout by a good margin
Cubsfan ,You already have a phono stage,If you didn't you would not be able to use your Pioneer turntable.
What electronics do you have ??