Going to replace my Fluance rt85

I agree with others that an alternative strategy is to upgrade the phono stage before or after. I found that phono stages to be as important as the tt + cartrige) and are worthy of the same investment level. 

Hello, +1 on the phono stage. I use the Hegel v10. It retails for $1650 but used you can get them for under $1k. Second I might go with a Hana SL cartridge which is about $750. I’m not saying the Fluance RT85 is the best but it is a good start. I believe with these two upgrades you will be amazed. After that save up for a better tt you can move your cart and phono stage to it. If you can splurge a little and might get the Hegel for $800 get the Hana ML for $1200. That is as high of a cart I would go on that table. I own the Hegel v10 on a $8000 tt. I do have a Hana Umami Red which is almost $4000. But the Hegel keeps up with it and the turntable no problem. 

Another happy VPI owner, I have the Aries Scout with JMW 9"" arm. You can pick up a great deal used that's how I got mine. I would also say start with the phono pre and cartridge.

What’s the original little scout selling for these days?