AS Challenger mk 2 vs. Avid Diva 2 sp vs. Rega P9

You may want to consider the Rega RP8! I think it will soon be available, if not already. I also recommend the Well Tempered Amadeus, as another option. I am buying a TT for a second system, and have settled on the standard Amadeus.
Another interesting table that's not too expensive is the Merrill REAL table. The only one I know from experience is the Amadeus,the GTA would fall in to your general price range

Dayglow- It sounds like you may have read it, but there is an A/S review of the Rock 7. It's written by Robert Greene, and he makes comparisons between the Rock and the Amadeus. What I drew from the review was he seemed to like the Rock a bit better. He also thinks they are cut from a very similar sonic cloth. Perhaps both tables using damping, may contribute to their sonic similarities. Again, just one persons view, but an interesting read. That review comes up if you google Townshend rock 7. My thought on the Rega's is the company seems to be implementing changes to their newer models. The RP3, RP6, and RP8, I believe would be those latest models.

Dayglow- That's what I figured on the P9, since the RP series is out. The rock 7 is definitely more $ than an Amadeus. It's like $3200 without a tonearm. The Amadeus is $2850, or $3250 if you add the DPS power supply. So basically the Rock still needs a tonearm, and will cost that much more. What is your actual price range, because I was figuring it was full retail $ of a P9. That's around 5K I believe.... I am not familiar with the Avid or AS.

Dayglow- In main system, which is listed on my system page, I have an Amadeus. I have an Emt TSD-15 mounted on it. The retail on the EMT is around $1800. For my second system, I just bought another TT. I was debating between a Rega RP6 and Simplex. While leaning toward the Simplex, I then justified getting an Amadeus. So as crazy as it sounds, I am buying another Amadeus. I believe the Amadeus may be the sweet spot in the line, and I wanted to have that 10.5" arm. I figure the longer arm won't be a limiting factor for any future cartridge. There are quite a few nice TT/arm/cart setups in your $ range. I am no expert, but look at it all as a system. If you want to use the ZYX, make sure the TT/arm that you buy will match up. Then of course, the same goes for the phono stage.

Vortrex, Did you think the GTA was better in any specific area? I haven't done any comparisons, but I could still upgrade my order.
Word has it that the upgrade path is like:
Simplex > Amadeus= 10% better, Amadeus > Amadeus GTA= 5%....
Sorry to steal the spotlight, but this info could prove useful to the OP. Cheers, Don

Thanks Vortrex, your comments are much appreciated. Just to make sure, it sounds like at one point you went from an Amadeus > Amadeus GTA ?
If so, I assume all else including cartridge remained the same.
Dayglow-If you spend around 5K on the TT setup, what will you do for a phono stage. You haven't mentioned anything about owning one.

Dayglow- Sounds to me like your in nice shape. The H-1200, although no longer in production, is supposed to be a nice piece. I believe Allnic is coming out with a new entry level unit. Hopefully, you will soon have an opportunity to hear one or more of these TT setups.