Advice on Turntable & MC cartridge under $2k

I just purchased, 3 months ago, a brand new never opened VPI original Scout with the acrylic platter for $900.00 here on Agon and paired it with a brand new AT ART9 bought from 2Juki on eBay for $860.00 to use with my headphone setup in my office and that is one hell of a setup for less than $2,000.00. FYI I am a fan of VPI as I own a Prime with SMFA/peripheral ring/SDS/BDRC and an HRX, both of these are in my main system.

Good old chakster, same old song and dance and still spewing his misinformation. 

@chakster , don't need the factory as it is not an issue for me, I have soundsmith for the rebuild and if that is a problem for you just purchase from Music Direct for $100.00 more and your problem is solved and still under $2000.00 for the combo I mentioned to begin with. Thank you for your input though and enjoy the music.