SME Model 15 MK2 vs Feickert Blackbird or Firebird or Sota Millennia Eclipse

or switch to VPI?

@chauncey 

Ouch not a VPI.

Unless you want a new TT or the smaller footprint of the SME, I would recommend getting the SOTA serviced and upgraded - it is still a great deck, more than competitive today.

Similarly with the SME IV.VI - if you are worried, SME can do a full service, including checking the bearings, rewire with updated wire etc. Their servicing is usually very very good, new packaging etc included - I have also seen them replace arm tubes simply because the paint was tatty.

Put the extra cash into a really nice cartridge and or phono stage.

There have been more advances in phono stages in the last 10-15 years than any of the other items.

I went from a SME10 which is an excellent table for the money to a 

Feickert Blackbird and it was better, fuller bass all though the SME had a Triplanar and the BB has Thales tonearm.

The got a SL1200G then SL1210GAE sold the BB 

I wonder how much better the new MK 2 of the SME tables will be....not a lot of reviews out yet. 

I do really like the ability to have two arms on the Feickert.  

Of the tables you list I like the Feickert Blackbird but if it was my money I'd be getting the Kuzma Stabi R with 2 "wings".