Calling all analog experts

Cartridges must be hard to audition as I doubt a retailer will keep changing cartridges till your ears dictate a sale.
How much of a difference in sound is there between a vpi scout which I imagine to be the lower end of really hi end tables and the upper echelon basis clearaudio and avid tables? Bigtee: How does a JMW 9 arm compare to a RB300 or RB 900 or Graham 2.2 etc?

Twl:

I knew that it'd only be a matter of time before your welcome advice would materialize. My dealer says that when making an investment in a high end tt it's best to buy from a company that's been around for a while (of course he doesn't sell Teres) and has a track record. Teres tables are beautiful although I've only seen pictures. I don't know anyone who has one and can't imagine where I could even listen to one. I live in Northern N.J. They aren't cheap and I don't often see used ones offered for sale. My dealer sells Avid, Clearaudio Basis and possibly VPI. What are your opinions on Linn and Nottingham? I appreciate your input and BTW am happy for you regarding your new career. Congrats!

OK boys calm down! I asked for help buying a hi-end table and now find myself in need of an audiophile to English dictionary. Mylar vs. neoplastic? Stylus drag? I'm in the beginners class not the advanced one. Jyprez: I think your Teres comparison regarding my situation should be with their entry level model not the 365. Must say though my dialogue via email with Chris Brady has impressed me as to his character. Now if I could just find one in my area to listen to.

Responses like these are why I love Audiogon. Objective opinions from the well-informed are rare. Jyprez: What is the cost differential between your rig and Doug's? Doug I live near the Tappan Zee Bridge and CT. is not that far ,depending on what town that is. I may very well take you up on your generous offer when time allows. My system uses the Revel Studios so I think a hi end analog rig would reap big dividends. In percentage terms I'm sure most of these tables would be a 60-80% improvement over the MMF5 I'm currently using. TWL , my phonostage is the phonomenon. I'm guessing this wouldn't do for one of the higher end tables we're speaking of. What would a rig like this cartridge ,arm, phonostage ,set-up cost? Thanks to all of you for your input.

Eldartford: While I gladly will acknowledge your level of technical knowledge, I must ask you what relevance does your last post have to my original topic? I'm sure you have an opinion that could be useful in this matter.

Ok, I guess if you can't beat 'em ,join 'em works for me too.
What are the differences /advantages of mm vs. mc cartridges and do certain tables require one type or the other? Do certain arms require a specific cartridge type?

How tough is it to set up a tere? This includes arm and cartridge. I have no skills in any of these areas.

Ummm... That's Teres.