Turntable Advice Needed

@jtsnead:

What did you dislike about the VPI?

Setting up the 3d arm is not fun and you also need the 2and pivot piece and the Soundsmith thing you put on the weight for azimuth to make the arm usable it's just to hard compared to other arms I've had. I think enough people complained then they came out with the gimbal version. I also had a hard time getting feedback from being transmitted through the table, you have to have a really good base under the table at additional cost to avoid feedback like woofer pumping etc.. the metal unipivot arms are better though.

@jtsnead, I can say I have had none of the issues with the VPI you mentioned. Found it to be relatively easy to set up and experience no feedback whatsoever.  Agree on the Soundsmith accessory tho, helps with fine tuning azimuth and tracking force. I do not have the 3D arm so cannot comment but the 10.5 arm suits me just fine. No need for the 2nd pivot. No woofer pumping  etc either.
Again not plugging, just my personal experience  

Once again, I really appreciate everyone's advice and insight.  This forum is an incredible resource.  My motto is never to be the smartest guy in the room and with this forum that is never a concern for me.

I ultimately connected with Kat at Upscale Audio and I can't say enough about the experience.  She educated me and never tried to sell me.  (I had the same experience with Dave Lalin at the Audio Doctor when I bought the Lumin T2 streamer and Innuos server.  I am extremely happy with those choices and with Dave's advice and counsel.)  Anyway Kat and Upscale were very patient and helpful and made the entire experience a pleasure.  Here is what I ultimately chose:

Dr. Feikert Volare
Jelco TK-850S Tonearm
Delos Lyra MC Cartridge
Pro Ject Tube Box DS2 Phono Stage

This was significantly more than my budget but after a lot of research I wanted to make a pretty significant leap and realized each dollar spent doesn't necessarily achieve a dollar of upgrade (anyway that's what I told myself!).  Unfortunately due to some sheetrock work being done in my listening room I haven't unpacked everything and set it up.  I don't want to subject the new members of the family to dust and debris before I even get started.  The wait is killing me but I will report back when it is up and running.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

puppyt

Congrats on your purchase. I look forward to your comments after you get it set up.