VPI Classic Cartridge Help


Soon I will be purchasing a VPI Classic and an considering Cart choices. I would like to stick with a $5-700 price range initially. My current rig is a Rega Planar 2 with Ortofon Blue. I purchase a lot of used records at used record stores, thrift stores, etc and wondered about playing these records with a more expensive cartridge. I clean with a VPI RCM but am concerned about beating up a good cart. with "rough" records that have some scratches. Is there any particular cart or stylus type that I should consider? I wanted to order the VPI with the cart installed at the factory and have it checked by the dealer- I think that narrows the choice of cart. manufacturers.

The rest of my system: B&W 802D, Spectron amp, Cary SLP03 Preamp.
stl114_nj
I had the Scout and sold for the Classic. Beleive me it's more than twice as good because now I know what they mean close to the master tape. it's rock solid sound and blacker background with low noise floor are quite astonishing and make it a great value if you get one used. I bought before the price hike and at $2750 it's still a good deal but a lot of cash. If you are talking $2K then it's a steal and it will be my final table. I owned an earlier TNT and the Scout but this is perfect for me in every way, and couldn't wish for anything more.
i have VPI classic/dyna17D3/Vpi Hr-x clamp/vpi outer ring and they sound great, i felt clamp and outer ring is a must, it put so much weight in the music.
about close to 100hrs playing, sounding better and better, i waiting for the VTF ring so i could move to 2 to 2.2g, now is max out at 1.95g