What would give the best overall improvement

One of the shortcomings of entry level analog is what you're describing and not unique to the scout. If you have the acrylic platter changing to vpi's aluminum one would definitely give you more body, not sure about the air though. Not familiar with either your phono stage or phono cables, you can also look at your cables after the platter and shelf upgrades.

Dkarmeli....it doesn't sound like you really know the difference between the acrylic and aluminum platters as far as the sound is concerned. The acrylic is more tubby, with less high end. Aluminum is far better sounding with more delicacy, openness, etc.

Last Leming.....look for Bear Paws to make your system sing better. They will give better bass, better mids, and better highs...for a mild outlay in cost. I think the world of the guys at Ginko, but their support thing for VPI is a step in the wrong direction.

Stringreen did I not recommend the aluminum over the acrylic platter?

Stringreen,
I have found something better than the eden sound products . I was running the terra cone footers with the brass adjusters on my SSC.

I bought Amcan footers (http://www.amcanaudio.com/)I put a large set on my Superscoutmaster along with the spiked adjusters and a set of medium without the spike adjusters on the motor, making both the TT and motor level in height. These blew away the terra cone footers, which I sold.

The Ancam product comes in stainless steel, brass and copper, all giving a different sound. I have no affiliation with the compny, just want to pass along a tip to fellow audiophiles.