Rega p25 to vpi scoutmaster or phono stage and mc

Hi, everyone. Please pardon if this sounds dumb, but I need some advice. I have a P-25 I've had since new and have loved it. But, always think I could be missing something. So, used Goldring 1042 cart, but without spacers so just never felt good about it not allowing the arm to be level(don't think I fully broke in the cart). Put old superelys back on and it sounds lackluster since changing back to Rega setup (3 screws)vs. Baerwald. Plus, have had it since I bought the table and may be nearing end of its useful life. So, got upgrade fever, reseached and read and read on this site and settled on thought of getting (after selling stuff and tax refund) VPI scoutmaster with outer ring and clamp, and shelter 501 and necessarily phono stage (sim audio 5.3). 5k plus with shipping. Then, I wondered, and please bear with me - almost there. . . what if I bought the sim audio and ventured into mc carts on the rega? Still alot of money, but could it be a substantial change?? Or no?? I just don't have turntable dealers locally and can't hear what the step up to scoutmaster would be, so wondering if the phono preamp/mc cart would be a satisfying change? Please participate and give all opinions and info. you can. I listen to rock, pop and jazz mostly. And I use Axiom M80s for speakers (newest version) and denon 3808 receiver. Currently using Bellari phono stage for mm carts. Y'all have been wonderfully helpful every time I've posted and I am truly at my wit's end this time. Thanks in advance - can't wait to hear your experiences or ideas.
Laura (chapin99)