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

Lol!!! Now you got me back on this used SCOUTMASTER I can get for 1500 bucks. The REGA RP8 on music direct is 2 grand. Can get a RP10 for 3 grand used. Cartridge and phono stage will come later. I am focusing on a solid table to build a analog foundation on. Chime in goners which one should I get and why?

 My choice of those three would be the RP10. 

That said, this thread needs a little balance. Some here are claiming nothing under $10K competes with direct-drive, another is claiming direct-drive is just DJ junk. Both of these assertions are unequivocally false. Anyone with ample experience with reference examples of both should know that either can sound excellent, with any measurement imperfections far below the threshold of the media  (the noise floor that's literally cut/pressed into the grooves). And no, it doesn't take a $15K investment to get reference quality sound from either design type. I have a $3K belt-drive table (sans arm) that maintains speed within .03% of perfect according to a KAB Speedstrobe. Most listeners can't detect a pitch change under 1%.  

If direct drive were so inferior, VPI wouldn't be charging $30K for their DD model. If belt-drive is so inferior, Mikey Fremer would just use a 1200G, sell his Caliburn and pocket five figures. Further, if direct-drive was so inherently superior, the DD behemoth, Micro-Seiki, wouldn't have bothered to produce flagship models like the SX-8000.  

I do. It’s not that simple if your LOMC cartridge cost $4500 and to replace it (when the stylus is worn) you will have to pay 60% of the new cart again. It not always 80%, but even 60% from $4500 is $2700 ! In the MC world even $4500 is not the highest price and i had those cartridges before (never again).

If one can't afford the replacement/retip cost, then it's stupid to purchase that cartridge in the first place. I would agree with you if your argument were that anyone on a tight budget should stick with MMs. Replacement cost is  irrelevant, as it costs approximately 66 to 80% of the whole assembly to fit nearly any CURRENTLY-produced cartridge with a new stylus. Cartridge affordability really comes down to "act your wage." 

Jeff notice how not one of the people who talk in absolutes,  ask you what you wanted from vinyl.  Notice how the ones who talk in absolutes  have not built anything themselves so have no first hand knowledge of what is going on.  The 3-5 grand cartridge statement  is the most ridiculous  thing I have ever heard.   

If  I where in your shoes and going belt drive I would look at the heaviest  platter available , in your price range.  Then you can play with different  motors and controllers  down the road.  Maybe get a old aluminum  platter vpi and buy the new motor / controller , that Phoenix made for Sota.   Unipivots can sound glorious. How many  people who tell  you that all unipivots are garbage , have  built any,  or even remotely  understand the principles. 

If you are looking for what real acoustical  music can sound like, then your vinyl pursue should be worth  the effort.  If hip hop,  rap,  punk, or  electronic  stuff is your thing  maybe  digital  would be the way to go.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

Uberwaltz just because your system sounds like pandora on a cell phone doesnt mean you have to recommend it. 

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