You are clearly a meticulous person who has looked at the pros and cons. I am sort of surprised you don't have more sentimental attachment to the current table. If you do anything other than upgrade the table which I am not so sure will result in audible changes, do not sell trade or make useless this prized piece which you have owned for so long. If you want to try a modern style table with a good MC cart,
I recommend buying a VPI, you can probably get a scout fairly easily for the kind of money you have mentioned. Don't sell the Yamaha. If you can get a Superscout with a longer arm that would be even better. I don't think it will seem like a lateral move- the gimble and bearing as well as the motor and fine belt or even rim drive will all be different and your sound should be different.
Don't forget improving on your Phono Pre-amp that will also be important. None of this is cheap so save up to have the money to go for it. I also own a Music Hall MMF-5 in addition to my VPI this I think would be lateral as would be many of the under $1K tables. Clear Audio makes an entry level table for about $1250-1400, that may work as well but I would keep your very special Yamaha no matter what.
I recommend buying a VPI, you can probably get a scout fairly easily for the kind of money you have mentioned. Don't sell the Yamaha. If you can get a Superscout with a longer arm that would be even better. I don't think it will seem like a lateral move- the gimble and bearing as well as the motor and fine belt or even rim drive will all be different and your sound should be different.
Don't forget improving on your Phono Pre-amp that will also be important. None of this is cheap so save up to have the money to go for it. I also own a Music Hall MMF-5 in addition to my VPI this I think would be lateral as would be many of the under $1K tables. Clear Audio makes an entry level table for about $1250-1400, that may work as well but I would keep your very special Yamaha no matter what.