VPI Prime or Scout or ???


Hi all,

I’m new to record players. I’ve always been a digital music person. That said, I’ve got s nice setup now and am looking for a record player for occasional records. I won’t be too serious about it and digital will remain my main source.

i know with some of the higher end players there is a learning curve but was hoping for something not too difficult to learn.

Being from NJ, I was pretty interested in VPI. I’m not sure I quite understand the differences between the Prime and Prime Scout. The Prime would probably be near the top of my budget. Also, I have no idea which cartridge to get. 

For context, I’ll mostly be listening to vintage jazz and rock. The turntable would feed into the Phono stage of my Mytek Manhattan. Any suggestions welcome! There is a pretty good deal on a Prime Scout I’m looking at so that’s why I figured I’d ask the experienced people here.
mayoradamwest
I have an HW-19 awaiting assembly and installation. The Jelco (ne Koshin) arms look pretty good for the price! And they are gimbel pivots - unlike the (floppy) unipivots of the VPI arms! More precise tracking.
The other Koshin (ne Jelco) arm I contemplated buying back in '78 was the GST-801. That was about $500 then! So instead bought its cheaper brother. And was happy with it!
That Merrell GEM TT and arm looks like a nice product for the price! I'd probably buy one if I didn't already have way too many TT's!
I don't care much for unipivots. Had a JH Formula 4. Sold it. Bought a new-in-box Mayware Formula 4 from an EBay seller (couldn't resist!). Awaiting installation on my Sondek or pre-Linn Ariston.
So when did you compare the arms head-to-head?  Or are you just stating an opinion based on a lack of actual objectivity?