Turntable Advice Needed

Just saw a VPI HMW-19/ IV using an original Aries platter and JMW 10.5 inch arm.  includes an SDS.  $2500.  

IMO, that's the best platter VPI ever produced.  Arm works best on an unsprung table, which is a favorable mod for an HWI-19 (replace the springs with sorbothane pucks).  

It's on ebay.

I appreciate all of the thoughts and comments.  As I continue my research I am realizing I need to up my price point a bit to get a significant improvement over my current setup. I am also coming across some terminology I am not completely familiar with.  What does it mean when someone says a turntable "plays fast"? My literal mind says that is not a good thing as I assume the perfect world has the platter spinning at 33 1/3 rpm.  I'm sure I am wrong though.  Also, what is VTA? Finally as I continue searching I keep coming back to two turntables: the VPI Prime Scout and the Rega Planar 8.  They seem like two ends of the spectrum. The Rega looks strange to me but I care little about looks and more about satisfying sound.

Thanks again.  As always, insights, commentary and thoughts are greatly appreciated.  This forum has been and continues to be a great resource.

puppyt 

FWIW, Have owned the upgraded (Superscout) VPI Scout from Upscale now for a little over 12 months. To my ears and after a few hours to properly set up the Ortophone M2 Black it is superbly reproducing all my Records in my collection. I am very happy with this turntable and see no changes in the future. It’s been a flawless performer in every regard, for my purposes, which is enjoying my music. Associated equipment are, Rogue Pharaoh Integrated and B&W 803D Speakers and a dust cover (must have). Approximate useage is about 17 hours a week. Performs well above its price range IMO. Not plugging for any product, just stating my experience.

thanks Gillatgh,

 A few questions if you don’t mind:

1. How did you decide on the cartridge?
2. What type of music do you listen to?
3. Do you find that the turntable requires a lot of tweaks and adjustments?
Much appreciated!

Puppy, much like you I had a budget in mind, which I exceeded by a little. After much research into a variety of brands I settled on VPI. I wanted the biggest bang for my buck. As I already spent more on the turntable than anticipated I chose the best compatible cartridge I could afford. It was a great decision.
Most of the music I listen to is Rock from the 60s thru 90s but also some country and classical, even a little big band stuff (inherited from parents). The turntable and cartridge combination does justice with all genre’s I have tried.
Initial setup was done by upscale and was close but not perfect. I spent probably another 5 or 6 hours over the initial month tweaking the setup, things like Tracking force, Azimuth, VTA until I got it to where it was as close to perfect as I could make it. Actually it was enjoyable as I learned about the table and the possible adjustments and how each affected SQ.
Since then I have not changed any settings. I just listen to the music. One point I’d like to make is that I set my VTA at a setting that I was happy with for all record thicknesses. I did not want to adjust each time a record thickness changed. I’m quite satisfied.
For clarity, I am referring to the souped up VPI Prime Scout only available from Upscale Audio. It is not the standard version Scout.
Hope this is helpful.