So I just started my journey into entry level audiophilem  and I think I have a pretty good start. I probably research more than I need to before I pull the trigger on anything. There are no real audio stores in my area and even if there were I choose not to buy new gear, and I am not going to demo something if I do not have the intention of buying from the place that took the time to do the demoing.

I purchased the Torii from Kevin after Christmas and it is jaw dropping. I purchased the Tekton Lores from Eric and I am quite happy with those as well. I am currently listening to digital from my macbook->Neko DAC, mostly 24/192 recordings ripped from vinyl that the audiophile community deems worthy. Lets just say that I have caught what ever you guys have. My next step is to buy a turntable, phono pre and finally a preamp. This is my dilemma and this has been discussed to death on other forums, but should I go vintage and possibly save a little money. What I am thinking is the VPI Traveler and that Jolida phono pre with the upgrades. I can get the traveler for about 8 bills without a cartridge and the upgraded Jolida phono pre for about the same. If the Decware phono pre pops up in the next month Im all over it but they seem elusive on the used market (for good reason I imagine). My logic is that I think I will be able to move up the chain because I feel that there is a market for for the VPI and the Jolida and so I can then upgrade to the Scout or some other upgradable TT and get rid of the Jolida and get the Decware. Maybe a vintage pre with a built in phono stage? I want to make the right decision. My income allows me to save about a grand a month. I could just save up but as you all probably can relate I need a this stuff yesterday.
What would you do?  Are my choices a good starting point? I know that everything is subjective to a point. I know what sounds good to me and like the rest of the audiophile world I want the best for what my little money can buy with the hopes of just moving up the ladder as time goes by.  
Thanks for your time,
Andy

Andy - Mark summed it up pretty good. I would not consider any other phono stage than the ZP3. I run mine direct into my Rachael amp with plenty of gain but I will consider adding a CPS3 pre-amp after I up grade my phono cart. Go with the upgraded caps in any Decware you buy, it's well worth the small amount of money. Happy listening, Chris.

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Andy, in 2007 I was ready to buy a VPI Scout when I stumbled across Kevin at KAB.  Check out what he offers in a modified Technics 1200.  I run mine with an Ortofon Kontrapunkt b and I am very happy.  I've tweaked mine a bit further with more damping and isolation and it's hard to beat the simplicity and performance at the price.

Of course I have the obligatory ZP3.

BTW, the build list looks to be 2 to 3 months out right now so you'll have plenty of time to save up!  It took 3 months for my ZMC1 to ship.  Arrives Thursday -- hurray!  :D