VPI tables are designed to be upgradeable all the way up the chain. Your Scout could be the basis for a really fine VPI table. Upgrades include power supply, platter, feet, bearing, and plinth. Most of the parts come up for sale on Agon and the other used gear listing sites at really good prices compared to new. I suggest that you look into getting a VPI SDS first, as the sound improvement from clean power can be dramatic. I also frequently see various VPI platter & bearing kits on the used market. Also, the stainless clamp ring & record weight are good upgrades. If you don't get the bang for the buck you are looking for, you can usually recover your money by re-selling them.
I bought an original TNT when they first stormed on the audio scene, but after 7 or 8 years, I caught the update bug too and traded up for a different mfg. table. I wish that I had had the foresight to see the upgrade path that HW was setting up to make almost all his turntables from interchangeable parts. Eventually I got a SSM Ref that I may someday upgrade again with the direct drive option, and maybe a 3D arm tube when they come up in the used market, but I will put my used parts on the market then too.
I bought an original TNT when they first stormed on the audio scene, but after 7 or 8 years, I caught the update bug too and traded up for a different mfg. table. I wish that I had had the foresight to see the upgrade path that HW was setting up to make almost all his turntables from interchangeable parts. Eventually I got a SSM Ref that I may someday upgrade again with the direct drive option, and maybe a 3D arm tube when they come up in the used market, but I will put my used parts on the market then too.