Rega or VPI

Thanks for all of your responses. I think I can even take the rega home and demo it, which I am considering. I just won't be able to compare it with a VPI. Without sounding stupid.,what makes the VPI's so special? The tone arms seem to be compareable and I see a lot of the VPI's use the Rega arms. Also will the shure do the table justice?

Thanks
Jeff

It's a lateral move cause you stay in the AC synchronous motor camp. Duh!

I upgraded from a P25 to a VPI Aries 2 Psychicanimal. There was a huge improvement (and cost too). But AC synchronous or not, the improvement was undeniable.

Jdodmead,
Ask yourself - what is it that you don't like about your MMF so much that you are willing to pay a premium? Maybe after you find the answer your search will be easier?

I think Alex_yakovlev poses a great question. What are you looking for? If you can take the Rega and demo it in your own home, that's a BIG plus! If you get it in your system and it does what you're looking for, then you have your answer.

That being said, you can probably find a used VPI HW19 mkIII in your price range, set up with some kind of decent arm--Rega, AudioQuest, and sometimes ET2s are popular on these--and I can vouch for the goodness of the HWs. Sound great, and built (and sized) like tanks! I nearly bought one but found a good deal on a used Gyrodec at the last minute--however either would be equally welcome in my home :)