What's a good beginner turntable at $2500+- range?

I was in a similar situation to you a couple of weeks ago, figuring to by second hand to maximize $$. After reading as much as I could stuff into my head I came to the realization that there are so many delicate and intricate parts peices and the tolerences so fine that it was wise to buy new.
My search led me to Kevin at KAB and his line of custom Technics SL1200's. The SL1200 is reported to be built tank like with a higher degree of fit and finish than you could expect in this price range. On friday I spent a half hour on the phone with Kevin going over everything that I needed for my system. Outstanding customer service with one of the top guys around when it comes to the 1200 table. I ended up with the 1200 M5- it comes with the upgraded tonearm wire direct from the factory (supposedly similar to the Cardas and I got the fluid damper for the tonearm (these(damper) are currently on backorder and maybe 2-3 weeks out). I think this tonearm damper will bring this table to a much better place. I should have the table by monday or tues- I will let you know how it goes out of the box- although Kevin does go through the whole thing and makes sure the table sits properly on the spindle along with a checklist of items he goes through prior to shipping. Till then, anxiously waiting, Zen

Just buy a modded KAB USA SL-1200mkII. The money saved can get you a sweet cartridge, a nice record cleaning machine and a decent phono preamp. Trust us who own these Technics SL-1200MMII (modded or not) tables you wont be disappointed if you are spending less that $2500 on just a table. Yes there are other good turntables choices but for $2500 you can get a lot for your money by what I noted here. If you turn not to like the SL-1200MKII it will sell on eBay without much depreciation.

HTH.

2500 is a very healthy budget.
Get a Sota with factory installed arm (less tweaking) and spend a nice buck on a cartridge. My Jewel is now running a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S and is quite happy.
You can do better for $2500.

Need a VPI 19 mkiii?

I vote for the Pro-ject RM10. Also consider the Clearaudio and VPI. IMHO, the Technics is not as resolving as any of these.

Dave

I was recently in your position. I opted for a Rega P9 w/ the RB900 arm, which I picked up here for $1200. I've mounted a Denon 103 M/C (which I got from a German seller on eBay for a couple of hundred dollars). I feed this to my LSA Signature though a Minimax phono pre, which I picked up here for $950. So, I spent about your budget, and I have soul ravishing vinyl. The Rega is unfussy to set up. The Denon 103 is a classic, fine cartridge, and the Minimax is wonderful and fun to roll tubes through. I did a *ton* of research before I bought all of this stuff, and I'm very happy with it. I listen primarily to small ensemble classical and jazz. I quoted the prices, which may or may not be good deals, to give some sense of real-world prices.

Cheers!

Chandos