Best table in $1500 range

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.

Actually this would be my first table. I know it might be a stretch for my first however I like that it can be upgraded, and it seems to have good reviews.

Kurt_tank to answer your questions, yes I will need a cartridge and phono stage. I would like to stay under the $2500 mark for the whole package if that's possible.

You can do a new Teres with arm, phono stage, and cartridge for 2500 easy. You could probably even afford a K&K transformer (if you select a low output moving coil cartridge) in this budget.

Whoops; just checked the Teres site and the 135 is no longer there. The least expensive is the 150 at 1890. You could still get it in your budget with a Rega RB250 and a nice cartridge like a Shure V15. A used rb250 is inexpensive and can always be upgraded (better wiring/interconnect, improved counterweight) down the road.

The scout is a great table and a "destination" for begining Vinyl. If you need a phonostage You'll need to reserve at the very least $500 (there are some mini boxes in the 3-$400 range). I just bought a Music Hall MMF-5 which does have suspension which includes the cartridge and lists for around $600 but the street price is less. Add $500 for the phono and a couple of hundred for good interconnects and your at your budget. However if you have the accessories nothing beats the Scout. If you don't try the MMF-5 the MMF-7 sounds even better and then get an inexpensive phono stage. I think my MMF-5 sounds with a Redgum Phono stage is great and is an absolute steal. I would try that first. If that doesn't do it you can always sell it because they are in demand and get the VPI which is definitely better but only if you know vinyl.