Turntable Advice Needed

I appreciate all of the thoughts and comments.  As I continue my research I am realizing I need to up my price point a bit to get a significant improvement over my current setup. I am also coming across some terminology I am not completely familiar with.  What does it mean when someone says a turntable "plays fast"? My literal mind says that is not a good thing as I assume the perfect world has the platter spinning at 33 1/3 rpm.  I'm sure I am wrong though.  Also, what is VTA? Finally as I continue searching I keep coming back to two turntables: the VPI Prime Scout and the Rega Planar 8.  They seem like two ends of the spectrum. The Rega looks strange to me but I care little about looks and more about satisfying sound.

Thanks again.  As always, insights, commentary and thoughts are greatly appreciated.  This forum has been and continues to be a great resource.

puppyt 

FWIW, Have owned the upgraded (Superscout) VPI Scout from Upscale now for a little over 12 months. To my ears and after a few hours to properly set up the Ortophone M2 Black it is superbly reproducing all my Records in my collection. I am very happy with this turntable and see no changes in the future. It’s been a flawless performer in every regard, for my purposes, which is enjoying my music. Associated equipment are, Rogue Pharaoh Integrated and B&W 803D Speakers and a dust cover (must have). Approximate useage is about 17 hours a week. Performs well above its price range IMO. Not plugging for any product, just stating my experience.

thanks Gillatgh,

 A few questions if you don’t mind:

1. How did you decide on the cartridge?
2. What type of music do you listen to?
3. Do you find that the turntable requires a lot of tweaks and adjustments?
Much appreciated!

Puppy, much like you I had a budget in mind, which I exceeded by a little. After much research into a variety of brands I settled on VPI. I wanted the biggest bang for my buck. As I already spent more on the turntable than anticipated I chose the best compatible cartridge I could afford. It was a great decision.
Most of the music I listen to is Rock from the 60s thru 90s but also some country and classical, even a little big band stuff (inherited from parents). The turntable and cartridge combination does justice with all genre’s I have tried.
Initial setup was done by upscale and was close but not perfect. I spent probably another 5 or 6 hours over the initial month tweaking the setup, things like Tracking force, Azimuth, VTA until I got it to where it was as close to perfect as I could make it. Actually it was enjoyable as I learned about the table and the possible adjustments and how each affected SQ.
Since then I have not changed any settings. I just listen to the music. One point I’d like to make is that I set my VTA at a setting that I was happy with for all record thicknesses. I did not want to adjust each time a record thickness changed. I’m quite satisfied.
For clarity, I am referring to the souped up VPI Prime Scout only available from Upscale Audio. It is not the standard version Scout.
Hope this is helpful.

@puppyt  Here are a few definitions:

VTA - In simple terms, with the cartridge mounted flush with the arm's headshell, the angle between the arm and the surface of the record.  
Azimuth - looking straight at the cartridge from the front, the angle of the cantilever to the record surface.  The cantilever should be at right angles to the record surface.  
VTF - The tracking force exerted by the cartridge stylus into the groove at right angles to the record surface.
Anti-skate - the horizontal outward force against the movement of the arm toward the record spindle.  There is a natural pull inward on the arm.  It needs to be countered with an outward force to keep the stylus centered in the groove with equal pressure on both sides of the groove.
Stylus rake angle - Basically the same as VTA.  (some arguable differences, but for this discussion basically the same thing.)

A good dealer will set up a table and adjust the above items.  A mediocre dealer will mount the cartridge and set the VTF in the right neighborhood.  A poor dealer will give you boxes with parts and a set of instructions.  Make sure you get the "good dealer" package from a reputable dealer.  Or have a friend close by that can help.