I want to upgrade my Turntable to something heavier

@alahankbear 

The built in phono in the Strata mk2 has 57db gain and 100ohm impedance. 
Gain’s fine but 100ohm impedance could be a bit low for the ML. To break it in I was loading it at a 1000ohm then dropped it down to 400ohm after the break in. 100 will probably be a bit too polite sounding but that highly depends on the rest of the system and your listening preference. 

I wouldn’t worry about it initially but for the ML to give you the proper ROI, a good phono stage is a must. And down the road good phono cables between VPI and phono stage

Since you like your turntable, I’d explore the isolation angle first. I have a light turntable (Rega P10) and a big German Shepherd that trots around my wood floored living room. I replaced the factory Rega feet with Stack Audio Auva feet and an Iso Acoustics Delos wood platform under the turntable. I haven’t had any issues with noise since putting that solution in place. Best of luck in your research. 

SOTA - made in WI - from personal experience, I can say SOTA post sales support is on another level - in a good way - vs VPI. 

If you are looking at balanced, I would seriously look at Austin Audio Works for a phono preamp, and if you can get hold of Barry, talk to him about balanced vs unbalanced. 

BTW - I retired in 2019 - LOVE IT - I also upgraded my VPI to a SOTA with Korf arm and London Decca super gold - WOW - talk about musical. My AAW black swan is a few weeks old , and just adds to the new front end. I told Barry that I now have to re-listen to all my albums to find out how good they sound. 

Anyway, good luck with your search and listening. There is MUCH MUCH more to life than working. One other thing, you have to retire TO something, not FROM something. Looks like you will be retiring to your music, which is great!

A wall shelf, if properly anchored to the wall studs is best. If you have a basement beneath your audio rack, consider installing a tight-fitting 4" x 4" beam between the concrete floor and the floor joist beneath your rack to keep your system level and more vibration-free. Measure twice, then have Home Depot cut it to measure, and use a shim to get it really tight if necessary. Then add footers beneath your turntable. Stack Audio makes some affordable and very effective ones. They also make a very effective platter mat. As others have said, as you get older, having the turntable at shoulder height makes cuing up LPs a lot more fun. And if all that doesn't help, go out and buy a new turntable for thousands of dollars. Good luck!

I recently had great dealings with Sota.   I had their Escape table for about 4 years and was thinking of upgrading it with their RoadRunner tachometer.  

I contacted Christan at Sota to discuss and it made a lot more sense to step up to the Quasar factory equipped with RoadRunner 

It was a no brainer because they offered a generous trade in.  They made it super easy.   I kept my arm and cartridge and mounted it on the Quasar.   

The Quasar with Full Eclipse package and Reflex Clamp  is awesome.  I listened to it a few months with a 2m Bronze but just mounted the excellent Dynavector XX2 mkII on it.   Amazing sounding combo.  

Pretty much done upgrading but will most likely order the Eclipse Linear Power Supply to replace wall warts.   

Good people over at Sota