upgrade or side step

So my Dynavector 17d3 Karat is at the end of it's stylus's useful life.Which brought me into the only hi fi shop in Albuquerque where I saw saw the VPI traveler and it was so attractive it got me thinking. I never really liked the looks of my Pro-ject 2 xperience. Don't get me wrong it sounds great and I got a good deal on it but the looks of the VPI stuff has always appealed to me.So to get to the heart of my question. Would a move to a VPI Traveler or a scout Jr. be a decent side step,upgrade or would it just be a let down? I am trying to keep any move under $1500.I appreciate you input. Thanks