VPI Scout or GEM Dandy PolyTable

Got the Jelco SA 750D option.
Extra $100 over the 250 likely worth it b/o reviews.
Also got the Hana EL cartridge with it.
Probably a good part of why it sounds so good.
George uses that himself and will mount it for you.
Got a Sutherland 20/20 phono stage and Ron Sutherland uses the Hana.
He also speaks highly of the PolyTable.
I was persuaded by all the reviews for both those products that say
their SQ is way above their price point.
Scout may sound better than its price also.
But VPI customer service can be iffy.
George Merrill customer service is as good as it gets.

You may want to look at these. They use parts sourced by VPI to make a lovely product for 2500.00.
https://www.shinola.com/audio.html

Shinola: Wow, it's amazing how little 2500 bucks gets you these days.  Just a pretty deck with no isolation, no anti-skate, no speed control. Can't even find it's weight.  Am I wrong?  Does this thing even have a dust cover?  
Personally, I would get a nice vintage JVC, Technics or Kenwood and upgrade the tonearm and get a better setup for a lot less.

Yeah, from a Audiophile perspective, I try and find products that aren't overpriced for the sake of being overpriced. This is why the Polytable originally caught my eye.

1600 for the base model, nice tonearm, no fuss no muss.

The only reason I started looking is because the amount of bounce the Thorens has, its an amazing sounding table. So I would need to see just how much I could sell that for before I dive much deeper.

That said, I am leaning towards the PolyTable if I do decide to change tables.

R

In all my years and 3 different VPI turntables, I never, ever had customer support problems with them.  They always answered the phone and made arrangements for me.  When I broke my cuing lever, Matt sent me a new one no charge, even though the turntable was 10 years old and was bought used.  To me, that is excellent customer service.