Turntable suggestions for a newbie

I have an older VPI Prime and enjoy it.

I think your other choices would do you well also.

Your choice of phono stages bothers me as you would be sending the signal from a $3k TT (more with cart) through a $400 phono stage.  Maybe for the Mofi but not the Scout.

Bottleneck?  The phono stage would be your limiting factor.  

IMO the phono stage is just as important as the TT/cart and I would spend more on the phono stage than the TT.  In fact my phono stage is the most expensive component in my system.

Noromance, I'm getting into vynle/analog for a few reasons. First, I want to experience the pure analog sound. Second, just owning the physical albums with the art and inserts I think is cool and important.  Third, I feel that when you take the time to place an LP on the table one is more apt to sit and listen more intently instead of thinking about what song you're going to stream next. At least for me I think that would be true. And finally, the Raven Blackhawk should be a nice improvement in all around SQ over my Anthem AVR. 

Flattire, i had the same concern about the phono stage so when I started focusing in on the Raven products I called them and spoke to James Cahn. Not sure if he's an owner, a designer or both. I asked him what pre he recommends  and one of them was the Schiit believe it or not. Reasoning is that the Schiit pre is very well made, low noise and very simply made.  It has one job to do and does it well without adding any coloration or to the signal so what you put in is what is sent out. So I figure that I'll take him at his word as I would doubt that he would recomend a pre that did a disservice to his product. 

I have had my VPI for many years.....most vinyl players are a pain to set up....but there is a great joy in reading, following suggestions and enjoying the results.  VPI the company is very helpful ...as would be the dealer you get it from.  Don't be afraid of a well cared for used VPI.  Enjoy!!

The idiot that is trying to steer you away from SCHIIT doesn't know from where he speaks. I have one.  I have several friends that bought one. Overall concensus; - - - Fantastic performance for a bargain price.

I am also a strong supporter of the TECHNICS SL-1200G turntable. Very high-quality performance. Easy to set up properly, SME style head shell which allows easy interchange of cartridges if tastes so require. Extra counterweight for heavier cartridges such as the GRADO "wood series" MM cartridges (a true musician's cartridge) Heavily dampened and isolated. Also, as a side bar; an excellent table to allow upgrades from "FUNK FIRM" to state of the art performance. Do a little research. I think you will agree.