Hello,
I have a great recommendation for the VPI and your cart. Sutherland KC Vibe. $899 for a really nice preamp.
https://sutherlandengineering.com/products/kc-vibe/ I have the Mani also. It is nice on a cheap cart. But on a VPI with a nice cart you need really good equipment. I agree with the Herron but it is up there in price. Also, you have to be careful with tubes. On some systems they can be to mellow. Sutherland handles both types of carts with good selection. I liked 47k and 50db of gain. there are more expensive models. The sweet spot is the 20/20 for $2200 and $400 more for an upgraded power supply
https://sutherlandengineering.com/products/2020/I have heard both of these. The KC Vibe was really nice on my $500 TT. If you are in the Chicagoland area I use
https://holmaudio.com/I am still deciding which VPI I want and will match it with the 20/20 or the Little LOCO. They have an upgrade program. So I can start with the VPI prime scout and a Sutherland KCVibe and trade up to a VPI prime and a Sutherland 20/20 a year from purchase in case I win the lottery. I hope this helps because I have listened to all of this myself so I am coming from experience. To fill the room upgrade your speakers or your regular preamp.
