What are your top 3 favorite turntable companies (manufacturer) and why?

Having used a VPI HW 19 Mk III for 20 years, I can say that it served me well. I bought it used with the platter and bearing upgrades, along with SME IV tonearm and a Sumiko Virtuoso Diamond Titanium vdh HOMC. I did not use the cartridge that came with it, rather used a LOMC that I had FR 1 Mk III F. Both are still operational but probably due for a retip. Steve Leung has the bearing from the VPI right now as it failed after I used it for 20 years. Steve (VAS) does all the service work on bearings for VPI..........according to his son Ray. 

When my VPI went down, I fiddled around with some old rigs, including an AR (THE AR), which is not a bad inexpensive rig. Pretty much a Linn copy, within reason. I recently bought a Linn LP 12 with Lingo PS (first version), Ekos tonearm and Cirkus bearing. Old upgrades. It came with a Linn Karma LOMC and this combination is probably the best I've owned as yet. I first heard an LP 12 over 50 years ago, finally own one and I am very pleased with it. Maybe down the road, I can complain as other Linn owners about how fidgity and fussy it is but for now, I am very happy with it. 

I have no real experience with other high end rigs but reading reviews and paying attention to what people say, I'd lean toward SME if I ever felt like buying another turntable. Not likely to feel the need but you never know. 

@jpcmrc 

Pretty nice first rig. I also got my first loan for stereo equipment but Radio Shack was all I could afford the first time around. I think I was 17 years old. Second time I borrowed money was for an engagement ring, third was my second stereo. Both good investments, still have the wife, the stereo gear is still in the family somewhere. Crown IC150 and DC300A, Pioneer PL12D turntable and Shure V15III, Bose 901 series II speakers (save the hate, I've heard it all:)). Only piece still working is the Pioneer although the 901's could still be, sold that pair in the 80's. I wanted the Thorens TD 125 but it was 3 times the money of the Pioneer. Had to cut somewhere. 

@inna 

I love the design of Platine Verdier. If I had the know how to build turntables, I would build them that way. There was another very similar. I do not remember the name.