which would you replace first?

Audiofeil,

well put, but would you care to be more specific? Perhaps you could elaborate on where you think the VPI arms fall down relatively, without getting specific about what arms that you might carry.

I highly recommend a new phono stage. I had a Phonomena mated to a Denon DL-103R for about 6 months. The Phonomena was decent, but lacking in many important ways. I didn't realize this until I picked up a Wright WPP100c. That's when I discovered how magical a phono preamp could be. The comparison was like night and day. The Phonomena was politely quiet, but painfully two dimensional and lacked an ability to place music in space. The Wright was spacious and deep. Every time I swapped it back in, I was blown away by the sound stage. It was so much more three dimensional and realistic. The Phonomena was holding back my cartridge, and hence my whole analog system. If I were in your shoes, I'd look for an EAR 834P or any model of George Wright's phono stages.

There are some excellent recommendations in these forums:
Phono amp recommendations
best sub 1k phono stage?

Audiofeil.. Why is it that you think I haven't? Is your temperment always to strike out? Answer Piedpiper

thanks for all helpful replies.

Today,unlike years ago,it is very hard to actually audition multiple arm/cartridge combos.Especially in a meaningful way(where the listener can become familiar with the sonic traits).Shows cannot really help,but a good friends group is invaluable.Perhaps the only real alternative!
Also,I have to back up Audiofeil's claims about the mediocrity of the VPI arms...."IT IS SO"!!...A close friend of mine had gone from a TOP linear tracker,to the 12.6 VPI arm,using the Titan-i cartridge.He is the owner of a top tier sound system,but could no longer meet the demands(though no big deal)of his linear arm's maintenance schedule!
Based on my observations(re: the "why" of going to a different arm)he fell for the persuasive pitches of some fellow VPI arm lovers,who are very close friends of his.
The 12.6(from my "opinion" and a second hobbyist always present)is a drastic downgrade from the Air Tangent previously used.Not that "it" is no good,but as Audiofeil has stated(hey,the guy pulls no punches,even in my own history of posts)it is NOT up to the standards of the top tier arms,from the way it performs on the many LP's I am familiar with, in his system.SADLY!!
Just my opinion....well maybe a little more,actually,in this case,as I REALLY miss the Air Tangent!iT IS MOSTLY THE GREATNESS OF "THAT" arm which exposes the mediocrity of the 12.6!Yet,the 12.7 will soon replace his 12.6,so who knows?
Best.