If you are truly serious on going the vinyl route then yes avoid the VPI, there are tons of very serious competitors at 2k or less especially if you are prepared to consider used.
Just take a look at the listings right here on Audiogon today and say USAM and you will have quite a choice at 2k or less.
Just a quick look has this at $1200( sure they would go down even)
Well Tempered Labs has a lot of advocates here.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa06ic-well-tempered-labs-amadeus-mark-1-turntables
Or this, no experience with the TT but the arm is a killer!
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9jjj3-ariston-audio-rd40-turntable-micro-seiki-ma-707-tonearm-o...
Just take a look at the listings right here on Audiogon today and say USAM and you will have quite a choice at 2k or less.
Just a quick look has this at $1200( sure they would go down even)
Well Tempered Labs has a lot of advocates here.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa06ic-well-tempered-labs-amadeus-mark-1-turntables
Or this, no experience with the TT but the arm is a killer!
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9jjj3-ariston-audio-rd40-turntable-micro-seiki-ma-707-tonearm-o...