Turntable, but which one?

These tt's are very different from one another in their design philosophy. I suggest that you do your own homework and narrow down your choices to a few that are more similar to each other.

I second the SME 10 - great table.

Best of luck

Peter

I'm a big fan of TW Acustic. Of course, much of this is personal preference and system dependent. But if you like solid deep bass and a high mass table that gives great solid, 3-D images, TW deserves a look.

Another vote for for either SME or TW Acoustic.

I have heard all these models 10 months back when I was out to buy my TT.

Avid Volvere would be my first choice if you like lively open and fast sound with great pace, bounce and rhythm.

SME, I have heard only the 20 and 30. 30 is nice but expensive. 20 sounded relatively lifeless and dark. At least with an SME arm it can sound clearly 'dark'.

Thorens is nice and sweet but lacks some resolution compared to new age TTs. Depends on how you want your music.

TW Acustic, not for me, sounded cooked and hifi-sh to my ears.

Avid Diva, just not in the same league as other TTs in this list.

I would suggest you also look at an EMT 938. It comes with an EMT 929 arm and TSD15 SFL cartridge and in built phono stage, a complete package and one of the best analog reproduction regardless of money. You can get a fully conditioned TT with warranty from here:
www.EMT-Profi.de