Are you confused yet? As Salectric says, a lot of questionable info above. First of all, the HW-19 Mk3 is a terrific table; so is the MK2. The difference between the two are (and this is the real truth and nothing but the truth) that the MK3 used a stainless steel sub chassis and acrylic top plate and arm board, as opposed to steel and mdf. I disagree with Manitunc in that the MK3 is a better sounding table, being less dark and thick sounding than the MK2. I went from the MK2 to the Mk3 and tweaked and modded both as much as humanly possible with every type of suspension, platter, motor, etc. available. Most effective tweaks/upgrades (by a long shot) were replacement of the spring
suspension with sorbothane pucks (or similar), and the addition of the
MK4 platter. But the Mk3 platter (black, with lead insert/cork) is a good one, and the improved speed stability of the MK4 (more money) of the MK4 platter can be mimicked and surpassed with replacement of the rubber belt with string on the MK2/3 (same platter).
Good luck! BTW, I own a TNT 6 now, and while a clearly better table, the difference is not as great as one might imagine.
suspension with sorbothane pucks (or similar), and the addition of the
MK4 platter. But the Mk3 platter (black, with lead insert/cork) is a good one, and the improved speed stability of the MK4 (more money) of the MK4 platter can be mimicked and surpassed with replacement of the rubber belt with string on the MK2/3 (same platter).
Good luck! BTW, I own a TNT 6 now, and while a clearly better table, the difference is not as great as one might imagine.