Best turntable for the buck

My dealer is telling me he likes the sound of the VPI Scout over the Prime.

Anyone have an opinion on that?  It’s certainly more affordable.

Ask your dealer for a list of the albums he used for the Evaluation. if you like the genre of music and recordings you probably have similar taste. If you don’t like the choices he makes I would be More independent and look for your own evaluation based on several albums you like the sound of. Your dealer should know about everything in your system and what your long-term goal is in terms of sound satisfaction. The prime has a 20 pound platter and does require some yearly maintenance. If this would be a problem for you or a technician then perhaps the simpler table is a better choice.  😀😀😀

rvpiano-

demo of the VPI is the only way to determine if it might work for your ears. 

I'm just a long term Classic user. It certainly has its shortcomings-arm/speed consistency. Trying to optimize setup and a fresh belt keep those 2 in check. Phonostage/cart make up for the deficits.

That said, it easily makes forgetting there are plenty of other choices that are in the same price range, but those will have their own set of deficits.

That makes considering used of something more $ubstancial for 1/2 of new MSRP appealing, IF you want to put in the effort to find those units.

The Prime is a decent table,particularly used. Knowing what I do now, I'd find one for real cheap and invest in the Phoenix/Sota speed control. That would be near your $Threshold.  Aries pop up, now and then at reasonable prices too.

As mentioned in my earlier post, Rega P8 or used P10 with Apheta(may be above your threshold)will allow you to escape turntable insanity and just enjoy the LP experience once again.

High performance turntable use is like playing with  a high end sports car or Hot Rod. Only limited by your wallet.

  VPI and Rega(P8/10) will get you to the subjective acceptable level.

mr_putty mentions platter  maintenance- a year or 2 wipe and dab of fresh lube is all that's needed. Less than 5 minute procedure.

The Rega P8 is more than acceptable.

It's one of the very best decks I've ever heard. It handles surface noise extremely well.

To get an even more expansive sound than that might mean a trip into vinyl insanity.