Matrix, the AR in it's day was a great turntable, and as you note it can still be eminently satisfying. The new designs will give you much more of what I think you may be looking for, however, in terms of bass extension and impact, dynamics and resolution.
The VPI Scoutmaster is not just for classical or acoustic music. Depending on choice of cartridge, it can be a great turntable for rock as well because it plays what's in the grooves with minimal editorializing, be it acoustic or electronic, classical chamber music or rock. I don't own one, but I've listened to one extensively in the system of one of our local audio group members, and I highly recommend it. It just does so many things well.
As to cartridges, the Sumiko Blackbird, Dynavector 20XH and Denon 103 all work very well with the Scoutmaster. These are all high enough output cartridges to work well into a standard MM input phono stage. The Shelter 501 is another fine cartridge that works well with this TT/tonearm, but the output (0.4mv) is a shade low for a standard MM setup.
If you have the resources to do it, I'd recommend upgrading the TT, cartridge and phono stage together. If not, you will certainly be able to get more from your current TT with a better phono stage. I would not focus on a tube phono stage just to have ONE tube device in your system. You're likely to be better off with a very good solid state phono stage and an even better tube line stage. If you can find one, the conrad-johnson EF-1 phono stage is a fine solid state phono stage that can be even better with some upgrades. I'll let others chime in for alternative recommendations on phono stages in this price range.
Good luck,
The VPI Scoutmaster is not just for classical or acoustic music. Depending on choice of cartridge, it can be a great turntable for rock as well because it plays what's in the grooves with minimal editorializing, be it acoustic or electronic, classical chamber music or rock. I don't own one, but I've listened to one extensively in the system of one of our local audio group members, and I highly recommend it. It just does so many things well.
As to cartridges, the Sumiko Blackbird, Dynavector 20XH and Denon 103 all work very well with the Scoutmaster. These are all high enough output cartridges to work well into a standard MM input phono stage. The Shelter 501 is another fine cartridge that works well with this TT/tonearm, but the output (0.4mv) is a shade low for a standard MM setup.
If you have the resources to do it, I'd recommend upgrading the TT, cartridge and phono stage together. If not, you will certainly be able to get more from your current TT with a better phono stage. I would not focus on a tube phono stage just to have ONE tube device in your system. You're likely to be better off with a very good solid state phono stage and an even better tube line stage. If you can find one, the conrad-johnson EF-1 phono stage is a fine solid state phono stage that can be even better with some upgrades. I'll let others chime in for alternative recommendations on phono stages in this price range.
Good luck,