Rega P3-24 or VPI Scoutmaster

Why a Scoutmaster for a first time table? A regular used Scout will do the trick especially if the seller includes a decent cartridge. My Scout came preloaded with a Dynevector 20X, more table than I can make good use of. The other thing that you want to keep in mind is the cost of a good Phono stage.

VPI and Rega make very good tables at reasonable prices. As pointed out above the Scoutmaster is better as it should be considering the price differential; at comparable price level it would be a matter of taste. I am a VPI dealer but right now am using a Rega arm and used their dac until the Metrum came out. You really wont go wrong with either.

If you're starting out, I would go with the Rega. It's plug and play for the most part. The VPI arm can be tricky to set up. Of course, if you're buying new from a local dealer, they will set it up for you, so it's not an issue. Remember, no matter what you buy, there is always going to be stuff that's quite a bit better, so stay off that slipperly slope. Buy something you are comfortable with, keep it a couple years and then upgrade if you feel the need. At least that's what I think. As an aside, some friends of mine bought the $1400 Marantz and it's really nice for the money. I don't think you can do better at that price.

Is it just me or is anybody else bugged by the fact that most Regas have NO easy arm height (VTA) adjustment? Shims? Really?It seems wrong...just wrong, and somebody should take a stand...I'm keeping my Linn/Akito rig. So there...I feel better now...

I would get a Scoutmaster rather than the Scout if you can afford it; it is a significant step up. It is a destination table while the Scout is one you will probably want to eventually replace.