Smoothest and best sounding turntable/cartridge combo up to $1600??

Here is an a curious point, why does VPI package the Ortofon 2MRed with Scout Jr TT, and also their discontinued Traveler V.2 TT.

Good question about the Scout Jr. and the 2m Red. I have no idea why this entry level cartridge is matched to this TT. My local VPI dealer said he would give a $100 credit if one wanted a Scout Jr,. without the 2M Red. Also, I am not aware of VPI packaging their Traveler V2 with a 2M Red. I have seen them with Grados.  I bought mine brand new sans cartridge and mounted an Ortofon Rondo Blue on it. Incredible combination.

Finally, when I suggested Ortofon, I said their "better" cartridges. And when I spoke about compliance and resonant frequency, I was referring to all TT/Cartridge packages such as the Clearaudio Concept, upper level Pro-ject packages mated with the fine Sumiko cartridges, and Rega combinations. Just not those with the 2M Red that I agree, is entry level. All pay attention to compliance ratings for proper tonearm/cartridge pairing. Good luck in your search.

TO  STRINGREEN: Yes I am sure I could build such a isolation base, but I decided to buy an Aurelex vibration base from Music Direct ($79.00 which offers marginal improvement in sound. but footfalls still occur but less so ) Despite these minimal gains,  I am still not hearing  the benefits of this "upgraded Thorens TD145. It could be the limited headshell overhang adjustment, or that the Geo-Disc is not adequately calibrated for this type of headshell and tonearm  I am going to check those parameters again, especially since I  snapped in the AT 440MLb  stylus onto the body of the AT120E.  Unfortunately, the sound is still not as full as I expected in the midrange.

However,  a few reviews cautioned about this negative quality, and also that 50-75 hours will be needed for burn-in .  At this point, I am putting that particular problem on the back burner, and beginning to look for a new table. - A few members recommended either the Grado  Sonata,cartridge or the Denon 302MKII, ( low output of .035  requiring an out boarded phono box) but I am reluctant to put any more money into the project, and more or less have decided to lick my wounds and sell the table.with or without AT cartridge. I am just not hearing what I want, and I am done with this upgrade vintage BS..