Seeking to upgrade from my Prime Scout turntable

I remember when the first unipivots were marketed, like the Keith Monks with its mercury bath contacts. There were several others.They did have a "certain sound" that seemed more open than that of a gimbal bearing tonearm, to my ears at least.  The word "azimuth" was not common parlance among audiophiles in those days of yore.

I had a lot of issues with my Prime 21 to the point I sold it. I never looked back. The workmanship is not the same as it used to be IMO. I had issues with the gimbaled arm not being straight, the lift not working, motor chatter etc. I’m sure my experience is not what most have had to deal with but be aware.

@audphile1 

You may want to consider getting a "Counterintuitive" device, from VPI/Soundsmith (designed by Peter).

I was really surprised at how much easier, and reliable, Cart. set-up could be with a VPI unpivot.  ~$50.  Here is a link... 

Counter Intuitive for VPI tone arms | Soundsmith 

@kjl1065 

Interestingly, I have a unpivot VPI TT (Classic 2) and the Vandy 5a speakers.  Though the electronics are different, we may have SQ similarities.  

I agree that Carts make a significant difference in SQ.

On my system - I have been, and remain a fan of my Hana ML Cart.   In fact, I purchased the Umami Red last year, but the ML sounds so good that I have not installed the Red.

I also agree that a better TT will improve SQ, but that purchase is in another $-league...  

I do NOT agree that Gimble TTs always sound better than Uni-pivot TTs.  Each has sonic benefits and detriments.

DEMO, or money-back trial, if you can...

The thumb-screw lock the VPI unipovot is a weak part of its' design. You'll notice they changed to compression fit counter weight now