I really like my Garrard 301..... I had a nice VPI Aries before this and have compared it in my system to a couple of others in the 3-6k range - I have always preferred my Garrard. I would really like to hear it up against some of the pricier stuff (i.e. Raven AC, GPA Monaco, etc.). It's most definitely a bit noisier, but it is also very musical and has a great sense of drama and flow that others have not matched.
OTOH, I would like to totally max the Garrard out (almost there now) with a Shindo platter/ bearing and a good PS.
Chris