Should I buy a VPI SCOUTMASTER. I OWN 25 RECORDS.

@jeffvegas,  Congratulations. I'm sure it is a good table. I don't know about the BelCanto phono preamp cause I've not heard it. But I've never heard anyone speak of it either. Whatever the case, a good phono stage is a necessity in order to get the best from your TT. I'd rather spend the $$$ on a phono pre than the cartridge. Fact is that everything counts. Its only as good as the weakest link. But I suspect a lesser cartridge will give you more with a good preamp, verses high $$ cartridge on a lesser preamp.

From some of your posts, I sense some frustration on your part. Don't let that interfere with putting together a good vinyl playback system. There's a lot of good information on this board. Sorry if my earlier  post indicated different. You just have to learn to get to the info which is applicable to you. Anyway, enjoy the new TT 

@rauliruegas Yes, I did congratulate him. He made his decision and laid down his $$$. It wasn't the choice I would have made. So what? I didn't get all butt hurt over it. You shouldn't either. As for the arm lacking VTA adjustment, I told him that too and recommended Pete Riggle VTAF for just that purpose. If you look back you will find the post. 

@uberwaltzI think you need to see the context as to why Jeff posted what he did. Maybe he got tired of the dogmatic opinions of those who make like they have all the knowledge on this board. I know I get tired of it. There are good belt drives & good Direct drives. I do not believe in the impossibilities....but the  improbable. Most of the time it comes down to $$$. 

@rauliraugas 

Again,  This is the reason I suggested that he would need the Pet Riggle VTAF so as to have that adjustment.

@jeffvegas I returned to vinyl in the ’90’s. I pulled out a Dual TT which I still had from the 80’s. That was my start again. later a MMF-7, then a VPI ScoutMaster, the ScoutMaster with the better arm & silver cabling before I finally got my Teres. I liked the ScoutMaster & could easily live with the upper end VPI’s. They are good TT. So, yes, the SM is a very good place to start. And don’t forget the importance of the phono preamp. I have the JLTi which has enough stability to run the LOMC cart without loading, which is preferable. BTW, every step up the chain made an improvement
That said, there is a ritual with vinyl. You need to clean them and keep them cleaned. You handle them w/o touching the grooves...EVER!!. They return to the sleeve immediately. The stylus is to be kept clean. Keep track of the hours of play is a good idea also so you can replace the stylus when needed. The cover art was considered very important back in the day. Plus you can read liner notes. Gotta have outter sleeves & inner sleeves if you buy used. I probably missed something. Bottom line, you must love the rituals of vinyl or you won’t like vinyl for long. It’s work and expense. Digital is easy. Vinyl is work and dare I say, a love affair. If you develop the love affair, there is no limit to how good the equipment can be.

I’m sorry that you were turned off the VPI. You can take solace in knowing that the Rega is a S’Phile Class A. Then too, 3 VPI tables are in the Class A., all w/ unipivot arms. Both tables/arm have their adherents and their detractors. Another item you will need (or really want) is a Pete Riggle VTAF which when used with the Rega arm will allow easier  VTA adjustment. The stock Rega requires shims to adjust VTA which is a PITA. This is for SME but I'm pretty sure he makes them for Regas also. Good luck and enjoy.

https://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Tone-Arms/Pete-Riggle-Engineering-and-Audio/VTAF/For-All-SME-Tonearm-Models/10675

@jeffvegas
The problem with asking questions here anymore is that you will get 50 different answers from people who’s knowledge is questionable but their bias is not. Direct drive, belt drive, idler drive, gumball arm, uni pivot and now DJ tables which came into vogue when the cheap idler drive TT became all the rage, 7-8s ago.  AAMOF, CHEAP seems to be the criterion for all things audiophool today. I’ve tried to stay away from endorsing my bias (VPI) But IMO, the Scoutmaster is a good start and will serve you well as a base of knowledge. Especially at $1500. The uni pivot arm is different and wobbles because its on a uni-pivot point. But its no problem if you use the cue lever which you should do with any arm. Use the SM and then if you want to upgrade, sell it for little (if any) loss and move on. By that time you will have zeroed in on whatever path you want to go. The key is research and knowing the players and learning what you like

Forget the streaming for the time. You will need to focus on one thing at a time. get your vinyl established & the go for the streaming.Never upgrade 2 components at a time. Too many variables to make a proper assessment. So now you have 51 opinions. Enjoy whatever route you take. Just take one. If you don’t like it, try again.That too is education.