Stuff I've owned:
ELAC Miracord (630, a great entry TT for me when I was a semi-starving HS student)
Rega (Planar 2 then 3, nice step up if somewhat minimalist design; great to pass on to your kids when you upgrade)
Garrard (401, rock solid and a fun DIY project to build a plinth)
Dual (1229Q classic waiting for a new home at family mountain cabin)
Technics (1210D, most practical and trouble free TT I've ever owned)