I have the VPI Prime and love mine. Sound wise I would say all the reviews are accurate.
I have heard a few projects but not the model you are looking at buying and thought they were always kinda of dark sounding for my taste.
I would consider tables by:
VPI, Clear Audio, Sota, Rega and Well tempered Labs. Basis is out of mine and your price point for the most part.
People are always talking up the Amadeus by well tempered labs and I would love to hear one.
Sadly you probably won't get to listen to all these tables. I would pick something I know I like and heard if buying new. If used I would familiarize yourself on the models and prices of prospects and if the deal came up I would buy blind knowing that I could flip it for little loss.
Also what are you using as a pre-amp. You may need to upgrade to take advantage of the new tables performance.
I would be ok with a lesser cart to buy a better Table/Arm and phono. A lesser cart will sound much better on a good setup up. Plus eventually carts wear out so you will have plenty of time in the future to spend more on a cart. Spent the bulk of you money on the table and phono for now IMO.
