My first question would be. What phono pre amp are you do you use? I also have a VPI Scout and I use a Lyra Dorian cart. This combo is not bad but not better then my CEC TL51x CD transport with a Wadia 12 DAC. I think I know the reason for this. I use the phono stage of my integrated amp. Now IMHO my turntable + cart combo could perform a lot better with a proper phono pre amp.
Now compared to most people here I have a very modest audio system not some mega $$$$ system and I do not have years and years of listening experience. But what I did learn a few years ago that the phono stage might be more importand then the turntable and cart.
Some time ago we had a shoot-out between a "cheap turntable +cart" with an expensive phono amp and a more balanced set. Total worth of both sets was about 5000. The Thorens 160 special + decent cart and a very good phono amp was better then the set with the expensive turntable + cart and a cheaper phono amp.
Now compared to most people here I have a very modest audio system not some mega $$$$ system and I do not have years and years of listening experience. But what I did learn a few years ago that the phono stage might be more importand then the turntable and cart.
Some time ago we had a shoot-out between a "cheap turntable +cart" with an expensive phono amp and a more balanced set. Total worth of both sets was about 5000. The Thorens 160 special + decent cart and a very good phono amp was better then the set with the expensive turntable + cart and a cheaper phono amp.