VPI Scout or GEM Dandy PolyTable


Currently I have a Thorens TD-150 with a Rega RB-202 tonearm and 2M Bronze cart.
It is a great setup, but for 2017 I would like to upgrade my TT. Currently I am looking at either the VPI Scout or the GEM Dandy PolyTable with Jelco SA-750D Tonearm.

The PolyTable clocks in at $1795.
The VPI Scout clocks in at $2199.

http://www.vpiindustries.com/scout
http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html

Be interested to hear what everyone thinks.

Thanks!

Ron
hifiron
The scout is the most honest turntable value.  I have heard tables costing over 5 grand and no desire to upgrade.  The only thing is it is a unipivot with requires solid setup knowledge and execution.  When setup well, the airy sound and detail will rival many tables that cost much more.

Got the Jelco SA 750D option.
Extra $100 over the 250 likely worth it b/o reviews.
Also got the Hana EL cartridge with it.
Probably a good part of why it sounds so good.
George uses that himself and will mount it for you.
Got a Sutherland 20/20 phono stage and Ron Sutherland uses the Hana.
He also speaks highly of the PolyTable.
I was persuaded by all the reviews for both those products that say
their SQ is way above their price point.
Scout may sound better than its price also.
But VPI customer service can be iffy.
George Merrill customer service is as good as it gets.


You may want to look at these. They use parts sourced by VPI to make a lovely product for 2500.00.
https://www.shinola.com/audio.html
Shinola: Wow, it's amazing how little 2500 bucks gets you these days.  Just a pretty deck with no isolation, no anti-skate, no speed control. Can't even find it's weight.  Am I wrong?  Does this thing even have a dust cover?  
Personally, I would get a nice vintage JVC, Technics or Kenwood and upgrade the tonearm and get a better setup for a lot less.
Yeah, from a Audiophile perspective, I try and find products that aren't overpriced for the sake of being overpriced. This is why the Polytable originally caught my eye.

1600 for the base model, nice tonearm, no fuss no muss.

The only reason I started looking is because the amount of bounce the Thorens has, its an amazing sounding table. So I would need to see just how much I could sell that for before I dive much deeper.

That said, I am leaning towards the PolyTable if I do decide to change tables.

R