currently own a vpi scout, looking to upgrade

VPI tables are designed to be upgradeable all the way up the chain. Your Scout could be the basis for a really fine VPI table. Upgrades include power supply, platter, feet, bearing, and plinth. Most of the parts come up for sale on Agon and the other used gear listing sites at really good prices compared to new. I suggest that you look into getting a VPI SDS first, as the sound improvement from clean power can be dramatic. I also frequently see various VPI platter & bearing kits on the used market. Also, the stainless clamp ring & record weight are good upgrades. If you don't get the bang for the buck you are looking for, you can usually recover your money by re-selling them.

I bought an original TNT when they first stormed on the audio scene, but after 7 or 8 years, I caught the update bug too and traded up for a different mfg. table. I wish that I had had the foresight to see the upgrade path that HW was setting up to make almost all his turntables from interchangeable parts. Eventually I got a SSM Ref that I may someday upgrade again with the direct drive option, and maybe a 3D arm tube when they come up in the used market, but I will put my used parts on the market then too.

It may be very worth a try with a motor speed controller. Basis tables have always been well reviewed but I never heard one.

A simple variac would probably help. It's a $50 or so purchase that allows the table to get started at standard wall voltage, then the voltage is manually dialed back to around 60 volts to smooth motor torque. Works nicely with my Aries.

Could you post the rest of your system? Cart, phono pre, amp, cables, speakers, isolation devices, etc?

As Macbuddah and Stringreen suggested, the Scout has an upgradeable path and maybe you could find better synergy by experimenting with different ancillary equipments. Who knows, maybe a better cart or phono pre would do.

The Scout is good enough to hold on with many TTs costing much more. I owned one for a few years and it paired extremely well with the DV P-75 (in enhancer mode) and DV 17D3.

Just play around the Scout to see what happens.

I would say if it is an original Scout with acrylic platter, save the money and upgrade to the Scout 1.1 platter. The upgrade cost is $400 for the bearing and platter and will give you great results. I don't want to down play the Classic but realistically the best bang for the buck is the upgrade path of the Scout. Another option is going for the big platter upgrade and getting the Classic platter and bearing for $800.

Side note, Judyazblues, I'm guessing someone involved with my company really pissed you off at some point you seem to be everywhere, that's okay though because a Basis is a fine table as well and AJ is a great guy! :)