I often suggest buying used as the best way to go. But with the budget of Viper_z and the availability of the Serac this becomes a no brainer. Disclaimer, I'm a very satisfied Gavia owner. Your getting the same bearing and motor as the higher priced Galibiers and tape drive to boot. Absolutely no speed stability issues with this drive system and it is battery powered giving very quiet operation. The PVC platter is very much like a Basis 2500 I once owned, only not damped with brass. This is much better than an acrylic platter, which a Basis 2100 has (I owned one of those as well). I would think that it is possible to upgrade the Serac platter in the future. The extra weight and TPI surface of the Gavia and Stelvio platters will drop the noise floor and increase bass response, among other things.
The Raven could also be a good choice based on the reviews it is getting. I have no experience with that table.
The Raven could also be a good choice based on the reviews it is getting. I have no experience with that table.