Should I buy a VPI SCOUTMASTER. I OWN 25 RECORDS.

No.

I've been working on my LP collection since 1968. I have LP's from my parents, and even a box full of lacquer 78's.


But I have an excuse, and even then a VPI is starting to push it. If you're in love with vinyl, in love with the "ritual", then I'd certainly recommend working your way up to it. But investing in the software first, not the front end. Which could take a year, which could take a few years.

But it seems a waste for about 1100 minutes of music. If I were starting over I'd go with FLAC and DAC and not look back. Me? I grew up with LP's, staring at the covers, and used to live my life in 20 minute doses. I love the whole ritual thing, as time consuming and dumb as it is. YMMV.

I would suggest you get set up to align your own cartridges (if you haven't already). Then try out a couple on your current table. Just remember they can be used on your next one. 

You can also set yourself up to clean your records. Small inexpensive "tweaks" may help you decide if you want to become more "invested" or keep what you have. You can build a nice digital front end to go with it.

I am thinking about a Schiit Sol turntable for my collection of about 200. I bought most of them before "compact disks" became all the rage. I did buy a couple. I also inherited my wife's grandfather's collection. Mostly classical and big band. I am leaning towards a Soundsmith  Otello cartridge to go with it. I have an old Panasonic turntable and I am currently using an Audio Technica. My review: It plays records.

I say go for it! You could start off buying a lesser turntable than a VPI and something like a Schiit Mani phono pre. You could go with an MM or MI cart like a Nagaoka MP-110 or a Grado Black2, which are great carts for the $, IMO. Don’t even bother with an MC cart yet. If ya like it enough, you’ll stick with it. If ya don’t dig it, then just sell the deck, the phono preamp, and your records even as a package deal or something. 
There’s nothing wrong with having multiple mediums in your system either. I listen to vinyl 95% of the time, and CD’s sometimes. I haven’t even gotten into streaming yet, which I’ll get to eventually. I’ve personally been collecting vinyl for the past 30 yrs or so, and own thousands of records. Even with the pops n’ clicks, it just sounds best to my ears. I don’t even really notice the occasional pop or click anyway. 
As far as set up goes, setting up a turntable is an art, but once it’s done with your cart of choice, you really don’t need to worry too much about it, unless you start fiddling with it and are not knowledgeable about what you’re doing. Again, I say go for it. You’ll figure out pretty quickly if it’s for you or not, but don’t give up too early! lol


Best of luck to you, no matter what you end up doing! 

Everyone talking me out of getting the VPI SCOUTMASTER because of the unipivot arm. Anyone come to the defense of this arm and table. Mind you, I can pick it up used for 1500 bucks. 

Most of the advises here is like "buy whatever cartridge and turntable, they are all good" (even if it’s very low quality gear, weak belt drive motor, dirt cheap phonostages, unipivot tonearm or entry level cartridges).

there was a similar thread before

If you don't mind to be disappointed in vinyl (compared to your digital) and ended up selling your analog gear losing money on it then you can go for it. 

If you really want something special to beat your digital and to keep what you're buying for a long time for happy listening then you must be more specific in what you're buying.