best "entry level" audiophile TT?

I spent 2 years auditioning "high end" tables before making my choice. Part of the problem was that nothing I heard bested the 25 year old Technics SL-150 Mk II or Lenco L75 that I picked up to re-learn analog set up.

A good table will isolate the cart/vinyl interface from extraneous energy whilst providing a stable platform for the tonearm and constant speed platter rotation. Cheaper belt drive tables don't do good enough speed stability. Most direct drives and idler drives are better. The SL1200 is a well engineered table in standard form and the KAB mods are proven to improve it.

My advice is if you want to spend about $5k, buy a Galibier Gavia. If you don't want to spend that much, get a SL1200 and either an Empire EDR.9. AT440 or Dynavector 20X for less than $1k. No half measures.

The SL1200 is way better than Regas, MMFs and similar rubber band driven entry level tables. It has better dynamics, resolution, speed stability and bass articulation.

Regarding isolation, a home made sandbox will suffice. The top shelf should be bigger than the table's footprint and this should rest on about 3 inches of sand in a box constructed from 3/4 inch mdf, with a 1/4 inch gap between the top shelf and the box sides. Use play sand (from a garden center or Toys R Us). The sandbox can be suspended on wall brackets or attached to stout legs (if you have a solid floor).

I get to hear a lot of different equipment which gives me an awareness of "schools of hearing".

There's a reason why many favor the lively sound of a slightly fast and light Rega and call it PRAT while others prefer a heavier sprung suspended table i.e. Linn, Thorens, etc. and call it musical. Then others with the $$$ and a preference for detail go for high-mass Teres and such and call it accurate and airy.

Then it really gets complicated. The DV 10x5 makes my suspended table sound more like a Rega but the Benz Micro Ace gets it back toward "musical". The 47 labs McBee took it toward Teres or Michell territory.

While I'm writing this I'm listening to the suspended Ariston, musical, Benz Ace, musical, AQvox Phono2, Prat, Arc LS-1, Prat/musical and so on.

Of course one mans musical is anothers Prat.

Get a Thorens, or Rega or Technics at the right price and see for yourself. None of us hears like you do. You might flip the first table you buy or love it and then flip it later 'cause you heard something "better".

Waddya think keeps the classifieds here so busy. Getting there is half the fun.

One of the reasons alot of people on here recommend Rega's is that they are easily upgradable in many different ways but they also have some drawbacks.

One of the reasons alot of people on here recommend Rega's is that they are easily upgradable in many different ways but they also have some drawbacks.

Another reason is they realize the table's limitations and are looking to sell, so that they can upgrade!

The Rega table is a very successful product commercially. The Toyota Corolla is the world's best selling automobile; but that doesn't mean it's the best.

Is'nt it ironic that in the days of digital, there are so many excellent turntables at every price point and turntables do seem an area where you get what you pay for. As things stand, in the US, you probably want to stick to US products, because of the $ price. Having said that Rega and Project are excellent and competitive in any market. If you plan to upgrade then going for Rega or Clearaudio or VPI which allow for upgradeabilty is a good idea. In the UK I went onto an Origin Live Resolution, but it is probably overpriced in the US.
As Kitch says, you have to listen yourself, if it sounds good to you it is good.