Turntable in $2500-3500 range for SME IV.Vi arm ?


After four years of being unable to enjoy my component system because of moving and storage, it finally looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have an older VPI table with stand alone motor--the IV upgrade. I like my SME IV.Vi tonearm very much, but am considering going to a new table, however, I don't want to spend more than about $3500. I've seen references to VPI's Black Knight and the Teres 255, and notice that Galibier is soon to be coming out with a $2500 design. Any experience with these or other comparable tables making a good match with the SME IV.Vi arm ? My other components include a new Cortese preamp, modified Air Tight ATM-3 monoblocks and two pairs of speakers: the Dunlavy SC-IV and a wonderful ribbon/Dynaudio driver hybrid system created by a brilliant friend. Finally, as of 4-5 years ago I was temporarily using a Grado Sonata cartridge (low output version). I anticipate upgrading to a moving coil, but have not yet decided on which one. Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
opus88
I have read where the SOTA tables work quite nicely with SME arms. The Nova Series V is in your budget. I own one and am considering the SME IV or V arm to replace my Kuzma Stogi.
Why not a SME 10 Table? It's killer with that arm. Occasionally you'll see a SME 20/2 armless for about 5k. If you could stretch then your pretty much set for life !
Owe it to yourself to look into the SOTA Nova vacuum table. Make certain that you balance the cart with the table and the arm and whatever phono stage you're using. I truly do not believe SOTA can be topped for performance at this price point for a new table. Splurge just a little more to get the Sota Cosmos armboard and you'll find you probably have a killer table for life.
While I agree totally with Jfrech, an alternative would be one of the Avid turntables - they sound very good with SME arms.
vpi Aries3 is out. while others preach trickle down technology vpi puts thier heart in it.