How does the VPI Aries II stand up to current mid priced tables?

Enjoy it.

If you get the itch, there's always the Sota/Phoenix speed control upgrade, 3d arm and mentioned Classic platter to add. I think you can just get the controller/tach since you have a current motor.

Antiskate is a never ending argument. I don't hear a difference on my Classic. Perhaps technically, the outer groove is wearing less along with the stylus, but I have other issues to obsess about.

So you would go with the Phoenix instead of the VPI ADS?

I know you addressed the question to tablejockey, but the answer is emphatically "yes". Phoenix Engineering over VPI ADS.  Tablej will likely agree.

ADS initial adjustment seems archaic(strobe) compared to a simple sensor/magnet underneath the platter communicating to the controller in real time.

Disappointing VPI didn’t jump on it years ago. Strobe light necessary for initial ADS setup. Strobe light-very 1979!