Stickman451:
My Dealer has the XV-1 (on his top o' line Basis), Vandersteen 5a sigs (I have the 3a sigs), and I can report it handled many of my "problem" records--which I trotted over--with ease...as it better for $5K.
Chashas1: thanks, I may be interested in a "prettier" TT and more "sophisticated" cart one day and obviously I need all the kindly help I can get. I could easily throw a $10K combo on a CC today; but I just don't feel the need at the moment. I love my Yugo and I implore anyone to at least try one in order to keep Ranger Rover builders (and street pavers) on their toes. Yes, I admit, the triangle decay in Stravinsky's Petrushka is only 12 seconds, as opposed to the 13.5 seconds reproduced by $3K carts... : )
Audiofeil: I've read so much about VPI arm problems; I admit I've been hiding behind the word, "synergy."