Please consider moving up to a used, mint condition Denon 47F with a Denon 103 cartridge. Pick up a must. The convenience of autolift, repeat and button arm control will give you the sonics of a VPI, at much lower cost. I have this unit, and also a VPI Aries/Clearaudio rig and believe me, the Denon can match and beat my VPI. VPI top of the line, with super platter, p-ring etc. will better the Denon, but your talking a $10K difference. Get the Denon, try it and see if it does not meet your needs. Denon's are easy to resell with little loss of value.
Pro's/Con's Of audiophile TT
Presently have a stock Kenwood KD990 Direct Dr. Thinking of upgrade to VPI Scout. Will I experience that much of a change in sound to justify this upgrade? I know it's weak, but, I am very fond of the auto lift at end of play. I am new to this level and am also worried about the day - day use. Here again, novice that i am, what happens at end of play? do I need to be right there to lift the tone-arm before it skids into the label? Do you get extra wear'n'tear on the stylus? Please help me!