the table or the arm first?

Smokester is right, I think, in suggesting that you put priority on the table, not the arm.

My first good source was planned the other way round, with a great arm and cartridge (for the time) and a limited table. I think it was the wrong wayto go. For one thing, it is the table's energy that provides the music, moving the groove past the stylus, and no fine arm can compensate if that energy is not clean.

I would like to add that the Rega RB300 needs no apology. It is a really good arm, and with tweaks it is giant-killer. I use one on my Linn LP12 Lingo, tweaked with Cardas wiring and an Expressimo Heavy Weight. The cartridge is a Cardas Heart Reference, which retails at $2195, and it is not slumming.

I will upgrade the Rega the day I get into the super cartridge league. For now I'm very happy.

FWIW, I put my order of importance is table first, then arm, then cartridge. Cheers

^^^
What they said. This has been discussed many times here. While a few people disagree the large majority favor the hierarchy mentioned by Gregm. Without stable rotational speed and good resonance control, the arm (and cartridge) cannot do their jobs effectively.

Agreed. If you can get a good deal on a great table, go for it. I use a 250, but have a 300 too. I don't think you could go wrong with either. But, since you have a choice, go with the 250. There is more room for inexpensive improvements, i.e. cheap tweaks!

Dear Flg2001: You TT is a good one that if you go for an upgrade, then you can have an exellent TT. In this way you can put your money in a best cartridge/tonearm combo, that is where the music belongs.
Regards and always enjoy the music.
Raul.