Affordable TurnTable shoot-out.....

For under $1K, look at the Sumiko Perspective. Usually can be found new discounted down to $750-800. It has a good suspension, something many others in this price range often lack. As with all table/arm combos, the cartridge selection is important. Try to find a local dealer that will demo it with different cartridges in your price range or with your existing cartridge. I can tell you that it sounds great with a Sumiko Celebration Cartridge. But, that cartridge lists for $1500 alone. Usually, discounted to about $1200.

based on what i've heard, i will second the above comment. i've listened to the rega, music hall and basis and must say the basis beat both hands down.
the advice i've gotten is to mate the basis, now or in the future with a graham arm for spectacular results.
this is the road i've decided to take instead of purchasing the slightly less expensive rega or music hall sooner.

marakanetz, may i ask what cartridge you would rec for the basis 1400/rb300 combo?
also, will i be able to outfit a basis 1400 with a graham 2.0 after initially living with the rb300? what makes the basis rb300 different from the rega/ vta?

thanks
my apologies, if needed, for placing my own questions into this thread.

Fuji:..,It's the same RB300 arm as REGA just only made for Basis with Basis armboard and VTA. It's kind of cartridge-independed combo. I've listened to it with Benz Glider 2 and I can bet that cheaper cartridge(Dynavector 10 series) will also sound nice in there.
I'm not sure if you can switch to the Graham 2.0 arm but Graham 2.0 itself used is arround $1400?. In that case I think I would change table too to go for real upgrade.

VPI HW-19 Jr. The best for the money, also upgradeable

If you want belt drive, the Bro's got it right. The VPI will give you a path. As for me, you guys know I'm a DD advocate...and what I prefer.