Ptm...Hard to say. I've been disappointed with my analogue set up ever since I got my Esoteric X-03SE. I thought I'd begin by selling my ARC SP16 with phono and going for a better linestage coupled with a dedicated phonostage. So I bought an ARC LS26 and now have a Whest PS.30R on the way. I'm going to put the Whest in the system and see what I've got but in the meantime I'm planning for the next move. I can't really afford to do a new table (though I feel the Scout has certain limitations) so I thought a better cartridge might get me closer to where I want to be i.e. more dynamics, speed, articulation and life. I used to be a hard core vinyl enthusiast but after hearing what good digital can do I'm not so sure anymore. I'm hoping the phonostage/linestage upgrade will really move things forward but, if not, I'm thinking the cartridge would be the next step. String: which of the Benz's do you like with the VPI?