Can't say how they compare to the brands you mention, but my AS Final Tool has proven to be significantly more resolving and balanced than my VPI Scout. Paired with a tweaked out version of the Rega RB300 (Audiomods from England,) it leaves little to be desired to my ears and budget. While something like an Ortofon Jubilee is on the horizon, I feel like I'm definitely in the "diminishing returns for investment" part of the financial curve. Currently it's used with an Ortofon Kontrapunkt H and a RCM Sensor phono stage and it balances resolution, warmth, pace, and musicality in a very pleasing manner. It's built like a tank as well, so I'm not too worried bout any mechanical failures.
