VPI Scout "tweaks"


My analog rig consists of a Scout with JMW-9, Dynavector 10X5, SDS, Sutherland Ph3d, VPI turntable IC, and Gingko Cloud 9. I have the geometry set via MintLP. The rest of my system is comprised of Vandersteen 2Ce sigs, Rogue Magnum 66, Anthem MCA-20 and Audioquest Diamondback IC's and Bedrock speaker cables.
It sounds really good so my question is...are there any upgrades/tweaks that will make a definitive improvement, short of buying a new table? I have about $1k to spend. Thanks in advance.
kmulkey
I talked to Harry today and he said that current suppliers could only guarantee a 1/8 inch tolerance on a 2" sheet of acrylic, which might mean a 1/4" variation. I am using Van den Hul the First Ultimate metal screened ICs, they are a big step up from stock. Also try a power cord upgrade. I am using the Siltech that Spirit Sound was selling for $90 for 2 Ms.
I had a BIG improvement when I upgraded the VPI IC's to Cardas Phono IC (I think golden reference - not sure. They're $600 so easy to identify if you are looking them up. Really BIG improvement over the VPI's. If anyone wants the VPI's, I'd be glad to give a VERY fair price. They're maybe two years old.
Remove the foam collars from the top of your cone footers. Screw cones tight to the bottom of the plinth. Don't unscrew the cones to level the tt-use a combination of nickels/dimes/quarters to achieve level (coin combos may be epoxied together). Cost-free. Well, yeah, there's the coins...

Agree with 'Ptmconsulting'-if you like the DV sound, your best bang for buck will be moving up the line to whatever you can afford-even the DV20L is a big jump over the 10X5. It would be the acme of foolishness to buy 600 dollar ICs with an entry-level cart.
One that is cheap but that makes a considerable difference I just discovered tonight. Put Star Sound coupling disks under the feet. I had my Scoutmaster on the TNT stand resting on top of which was a 3" maple platform supported by Star Sound cones. I thought that this would make anything else unnecessary but the disks really tightened up the bass and made the top end better. They are brass and cost $8.69 each. They also have replacement feet for the tables but not sure which ones they fit. Going to check on this.