which would you replace first?

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.

Chadnliz : Before your father spents mo'bucks on his existing analog playback, may I suggest he re-clean his vinyl collection .

The Steam Cleaning Process outlined in a thread below can make a greater change for pennies on the $. When he knows the exact extent of change created by absolutely clean vinyl , perhaps he may forgo any changes or make a greater jump into the unknown.

I am of the opinion that far too much money exchanges hands on "hardware" prior to a complete evaluation of the "software". What I suggest is just another option before the Big Spend.

Cheers, Charlie

Although cleaner records will undoubtedly make a significant difference, it won't preclude the difference the hardware will make. Why not do both?

I just had my dad finally start cleaning records with a VPI 16.5 so the steam isnt gonna fly, I am really thinking hard of selling him on the Ortofon, his dealer actually stocks it so maybe he will like that idea.

Piedpiper : I agree that of course one can do both. I do suggest that once you know the condition of the software , its easier to make recomendations on spending one's money ... That will become evident later.

As for what to replace first , to me its a tie between the table and the arm. I am of the opinion the scoutmaster is about as revealing and flawed as 85-90% of the tables available and the same applies to all pivot/bearing tone-arms. My bias is air bearing tables and tone-arms but that may not fly .

Other than AB's , for my money , make the leap to a Raven TT (either one) and a Frank Schroder's magnetic repelling Reference Arm with a Soundsmith's strain gauge cart w/its own PA included. That's about 28K to get to the point where you hear just about all that LPs have to offer-warts an all. That's why pristine records come into play.

Of course you can spend more much more but the Law of Deminishing Returns overtakes you. Other than that, I would carefully clean all my connections , maybe apply a tweak or two to the scout, re-adjust the TA to spec's, demag the cart and system-at-large and enjoy , simply because what the father owns is pretty good sounding gear.

Then again, you can be crazed as I and buy a Maplenoll , a marriage made in heaven or ---- depending on one's commitment to the equipment. One of the most revealing and beautiful sounding rigs , when you get it spot on. Piedpiper would recommend air bearing ?