Goin nuts deciding which Scout upgrade

Hey, guys, great advice to Raytheprinter here. Ray I think whether you do the tonearm upgrade, or the Scout-Scoutmaster upgrade, or the addition of a motor controller, you'll not regret any of these. I've just one thought to enter into the conversation:

Slipknot, the Scout-Scoutmaster upgrade in your system was, to me, simply a stunning improvement in resolution, bass authority and soundstaging. I just wonder if you've gotten so used to hearing those improvements that you're underestimating them now? I'm also wondering if those improvements in the foundatational turntable itself, plus the motor controller, may be what's allowing you to so appreciate the improvements with the Signature tonearm upgrade?
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I moved up from the Scout jmw9 to the Aries 2ext./jmw12.5, and I got much more of a sonic upgrade from adding the SDS. Not that the new table didn't help, but if it's a solid foundation
you're after, start with the SDS.

Also, you might look carefully at new upgrade vs. used costs. It may be financially beneficial to sell your scout and buy a used scoutmaster.

One man's opinion.

Hi Ray and Rushton, Well put Rushton. Ray dont let this decision your about to make eat away at you.Take your time and think it out,it will come to you.

Great input guys,thanks!I think i am letting this eat at me,,,Rushton,good food for thought! I think that this will answer itself in time if i am patient,please feel free to add to this thread,Thanks again

Rushton,
I think what has happened in my turntable journey, is that the sum of the parts has created a synergy. Each tweak, upgrade, addition has served to enhance the fine properties of the stock table. The Signature tonearm with the Nordost wiring is still breaking in, but I think it's biggest change has been in fleshing out detail in recordings. Folks who are contemplating moving up from the stock Scout need to keep in mind that the S-SM upgrade is about 900.00, the JMW9-9 Sig upgrade adds another 700.00, the addition of the VPI SDS is another 1000.00 (In my case after auditioning both the SDS and the Walker Motor Controller, I went with the Walker at 1500.00). After all is said and done, the Scoutmaster Signature with a motor controller will put your cash outlay at roughly what the cost of an Aries 2 from VPI will cost. Anyone contemplating this should try to log some time listening to both tables to determine their personal preferance. A tough call to be sure given the fact that the tables have the same design philosophy behind them.