Turntable advice

One other option could be to do the Volare and get a nicer cartridge than the one that I’m considering (or not if it isn’t needed). 

I had a VPI HW19 MkIII for 20 years and for the past 8 a Classic SE with 10” 3D uni-pivot arm, Lyra Delos and SDS so I like VPI. I was never disappointed with its performance but decided to move away from the uni-pivot. If I was to stay with VPI, I would have gone to their gimbal arm but then you still have the hokey anti-skate setup. I didn’t use it, just went with the wire loop and in all those years I cannot recall a single issue with mis-tracking. The turntable was totally quiet, and had good isolation.

Several month’s ago I sold it and bought a Pure Fidelity Harmony with OL Illustrious SE arm and Stratos LOMC. Aesthetically, the VPI is very cool but the PF is cooler IMO as there are no controls on the plinth, and no visible motor, belt or pulley…just the platter and arm. The controls are on the Conductor power supply. Sonically, the PF combination is a few steps up in every category but in simple terms the music just sounds more real, the soundstage adds to that in addition to more low level detail. It too has good isolation with its GHIA feet, is very quiet in operation and the arm is a joy  compared to the uni.

Since everything (TT, arm, cart) is different now, it’s a somewhat apples to oranges comparison but what I landed on was an obvious upgrade. Considering the cost factor, I would’ve been very disappointed if it wasn’t.

I have to agree with @rdk777 about his suggestion to better match the turntable to your system. Based on that, the Avenger or Harmony almost seem entry level. It also seems crazy to say that. I’d add Bergmann, SME, Technics SL-1000RE-S, Acoustic Signature and Brinkmann to his list.

I have a VPI Superscoutmaster .....upgraded to the ceramic platter, upgraded to the 2nd pivot on the 10 inch plastic (?) unipivot, center weight, peri weight, etc.. ....have it for about 16 years or so....never a problem, quiet, stable, very happy,

If this is your first serious venture into vinyl and you don't currently have a lot of records to play  - I'd consider a Rega P8 with an Ania cartridge and my rationale is:

• It's a high quality turntable that is fix and forget it.
• The turntable has a lifetime guarantee so if you decide to 'go deeper' there will be a market for it.
• The built in phono stage will support the MC cartridge
• You can spend money on vinyl and vinyl cleaning solution (e.g. Audio Deske)

My alternate is to buy something you can upgrade in steps like a Linn LP 12.

I went from a Hana ML to a Umami Red and the different was mind-blowing.  Single biggest improvement I've ever heard in my vinyl system with the possible exception of a dedicated true ultrasonic record cleaner.  I have nothing but good things to say about the ML, but the difference was astonishing.