VPI owner here.
Started off in 2013 with a Scout 1.1 with Ortofon Quintet Black cart.
Then sold to my brother...and bought my current VPI Classic Signature. Ortofon Cadenza Blue.
I hate the 'night & day' adjectives we use BUT the Classic Sig is quite a large upgrade over the Scout.
Now I am in yet ANOTHER upgraditus mode. So I am eyeing the Avenger. Honestly mostly due to how it looks! I am SHALLOW
BUT holy moly it looks SMOKIN.
And yea the wobble arm is a bit of a pain but honestly just a few seconds it stops, then I lower the arm. Sounds wonderful to me.
I saw the Clearaudio Innovation at Axpona. Its stunning as well.