Turntable upgrade or not ?

The audio rule of upgrading holds true. If you want to substantially increase performance, you ususally have to double the money spent. So if your table is in the $5K range, look to spend $10K to really get the jump in performance. In the meantime, check out what you can do to your table to improve performance. Is the arm and cartridge really set up as well as they can be? Are you changing VTA for different records? Adjusting VTA for different recordings is crucial to get top shelf performance. Have you experimented with tracking at different tracking forces? Is the table on a first class stand? If you do not have VPI's motor controller, get it. This would be a huge step forward in performance. Are you using the best tonearm VPI makes? How about using VPI's ring weight? How about their new rim drive if it is available for the scout? Could you be using a better cartridge? There is lots you can do to optimize the very table you now have before you move on to a more expensive rig. By the way, if you buy a new table and it is not truly set up really well, it won;t give you the performance you want regardless of the price tag. Oh yes, one last thing, are you using a really good phono stage or preamp with an integrated phono stage? Does your phono stage enable you to adjust cartidge loading? Does it have adequate gain for the cartridge you are using?

Sidssp,

If I implied that there was an absolute in quality v/s price levels regarding equipment, it was not my intention. You are correct, many costly components don't live up to the price point. If you read my comments, I am clearly trying to keep this fellow A-Goner from leaving the VPI and encouraging experimentation with set-up and all other parts of the TT chain including the phono section. I have heard the Scout in its most advanced set-up, i.e. motor controller, periphery ring, etc. and it is an outstanding performer. Add a first class cartridge and phono section and it will satisfy you for a long time. Oh yes, if you add all the after market features, your simple little Scout will have cost you at least double the price of the original.