best "entry level" audiophile TT?

I spent 2 years auditioning "high end" tables before making my choice. Part of the problem was that nothing I heard bested the 25 year old Technics SL-150 Mk II or Lenco L75 that I picked up to re-learn analog set up.

A good table will isolate the cart/vinyl interface from extraneous energy whilst providing a stable platform for the tonearm and constant speed platter rotation. Cheaper belt drive tables don't do good enough speed stability. Most direct drives and idler drives are better. The SL1200 is a well engineered table in standard form and the KAB mods are proven to improve it.

My advice is if you want to spend about $5k, buy a Galibier Gavia. If you don't want to spend that much, get a SL1200 and either an Empire EDR.9. AT440 or Dynavector 20X for less than $1k. No half measures.

The SL1200 is way better than Regas, MMFs and similar rubber band driven entry level tables. It has better dynamics, resolution, speed stability and bass articulation.

Regarding isolation, a home made sandbox will suffice. The top shelf should be bigger than the table's footprint and this should rest on about 3 inches of sand in a box constructed from 3/4 inch mdf, with a 1/4 inch gap between the top shelf and the box sides. Use play sand (from a garden center or Toys R Us). The sandbox can be suspended on wall brackets or attached to stout legs (if you have a solid floor).

One of the reasons alot of people on here recommend Rega's is that they are easily upgradable in many different ways but they also have some drawbacks.

Another reason is they realize the table's limitations and are looking to sell, so that they can upgrade!

The Rega table is a very successful product commercially. The Toyota Corolla is the world's best selling automobile; but that doesn't mean it's the best.

Paul, yes I have heard better than the SL-150/L75 and bought a Galibier. I worked my way through Nottingham Audio, Origin Live, SME, dps, Teres, Michell, Rega, Kuzma plus more (I previously owned Thorens and Linns) before I hit on the Galibier and was completely smitten.

I've enjoyed the Teres Certus, the Walker and the Morsiani.

I hadn't realized it would be so tough - in my experience rubber belt tables don't do good (enough for me) speed stability and leading edge transients as well as the idlers, direct drives and mylar belt drives. Once you've lost some fidelity at the source you can never get it back.

Rotarius, I have spent the last few years perming cart/arm/table combinations to understand the influence of each component and how they interact. As an aside, a table contributes isolation and speed stability/lack of attack - both fairly easy to identify and diagnose. I would also challenge your assertion about cartridges - if you work on VTA/VTF/azimuty and impedance/capacitance matching then the difference between carts becomes quite subtle.

IMO, too many people upgrade too frequently to "improve" their system when a little work with the variables would deliver the same effect for zero outlay. Too few dealers know how to set up equipment properly - however it might not be in their interests if it lost them sales! :)