Best table in $1500 range

Oops! That would be the VPI (not vip) scout, but you knew that already.

Audio Note TT1 w/Audio Note ARM1 or ARM2...much better choice...is

Teres 135...well, it is 1575...this would be my choice hands down with absolutely no looking back. Well, not until I could afford a Teres with a wood plinth and leaded platter but that can be an upgrade. Get the cheapest RB250 you can find or a used Grace 707 and you have a rig ready for a cartridge that you can upgrade as money improves. Hurry; I think I read somewhere this model is going to be discontinued so the entry model may be more expensive in the not too distant future.

How about a few other bits of information first:

Do you have a phono stage?
If so, what is it, and what is it's gain?
If not, what budget do you have for that, or does the $1,500 include that too?

Do you have a cartridge?
If so, what is it, and what is it's output?
If not, what budget do you have for that, or does the $1,500 include that too?

Do you have a turntable stand or wall mounting, or will you need and/or want a suspended table, to account for vibration control?

What type of sound are you looking for?
(i.e. are you looking for detail or a warm sounding table?)

Do you have any record cleaning supplies?
If not, don't forget that you will need at least a hundred or so to get fluids, brushes, stylus cleaners, etc. (Or a couple of hundred if you want a used Record Cleaning Machine, which I recommend if you get into this seriously.)

The more info you can supply, the better our answers can be applied to your situation.

My two cents worth would be to get a preowned, lightly used table. A VPI scout, or a Basis 1400 or a Teres 150 would all be good choices. (There is a used Basis 1400 on Audiogon now.)

FYI, I started with the Basis 1400 before moving up to the Basis 2001. I have no regrets with either table. I think both are excellent values, especially used. IMHO.

At about the time of the Scout introduction, I chose to go with the comparatively priced Kuzma Stabi S/Stogi S. I was looking for a high quality, plinthless, suspensionless and extremely compact unit, which is the exact description of this table.

I didn't know at the time, but the VPI would have an upgrade path which may be important to you. I wanted my entry table to be in its final form so that it would be easier to resist messing with. I'm satisfied with it and believe it represents the best I'll need. Just a suggestion. Good luck.