Differences between three turntables

Analog Forum:

I know questions like this have been asked many times on this forum, so I'm going to try and phrase the question a little different in order to avoid a chest thumping contest ;) I am looking to enter the world of analog and am at a young enough age where I have no experience with vinyl at all. I have done some research and I have narrowed down the following turntables and want to know what I can expect in terms of sonic differences and maintaince and setup differences as well as upgradability. I understand that one can definitely mix and match, so I realize that I am being unfair in a certain respect by not giving full specs or options on these turntables, and since I will purchase my setup on audiogon, I will most likely not get a completely stock setup... okay, here the choices are:

vpi hw-19 jr.
rega p25
music hall mmf-7

I will be using the phono stage from a BAT vk-3i and I will be listening to classical music exclusively. I know the BAT can handle mm and mc carts (again, I'm not sure what the sonic and practical differences are between these two formats, so comments in this vein will help too) and I have been told that the phono card has two gains - 45dB and 60dB. Normally it has 47k input impedance, but you can add any resistors you wish. It will work great with any cartridge with output down to .1mV or so.

I'm trying to avoid the "which is better" type of question and am more interested in comparison in terms of sonics, ease of use, and upgradability.

I'm also ameanable to answers that read such as "go with X and then look to upgrade to Y cart or Z tonearm in the future".

Finally, I have somewhat of an inclination to go with the VPI as in general I like to purchase at the low end of a brand that I then will stick with and move up their line (e.g. to the Scout and Scoutmaster).

Thanks!