Choosing a turntable....

The VPI Super Scoutmaster + JMW is going to be the easier of the tables to get up and spinning. I never traded-up my VPI Scout, as it still kick's ass in a second system. The The VPI Super Scoutmaster is spun in my main rig, and it does kick it up a notch by opening a whole 55 gallon drum of major ass whooping!

If you're looking for a turntable that gets you closer to the music with minimal colorations then I suggest you audition the Teres and Galibier tables.

Both are sold direct, so offer stunning value for money - excellent materials, engineered for a lifetime's listening and fantastic quality. Sonically both compare favorably with tables that retail for double their price.

Galibier and Teres are similar in that they are both run by guys who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of analog reproduction.

While staying with VPI, you might consider going with a fully loaded Aries 3 i.e. upgrade to motor flywheel combo ($900); outer ring clamp ($600) and center weight ($150). This gives you the sandwich chassis and the flywheel as in the HRX and a 10.5 arm to boot.

I would go with a Mambo and Moerch DP-6. You will not see the bass and clarity the table is capable of with an SME. I think you'll get a lot more solidity, focus and clarity with the Mambo compared to the VPI. Clearaudio is also on the slow and opauqe side.

VPI, lot's of positive reviews! Mambo, not many. But look at the design and build quality

I agree with Aoliviero, I wouldn't have an SME arm - they tend to be bass heavy but very bloated and flabby. They sound acceptable on classical music but poor on all other genres. You can upgrade the wiring and cable so why not just go for a Tri-planar or OL Illustrious in the first place?

One of the best vinyl dealers in London says that he will only sell SME arms with SME tables - otherwise they give a really slewed frequency response fitted on anything else.