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

@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. 

VPI and SOTA from experience

Wilson-Benesch from reputation

The three turntable companies I like are VPI.

Had a Nomad that I ran a Soundsmith Zephyr on and was quite surprised how good it sounded.

Jumped to the Prime 21 with gimbal arm & I don’t think I’ll ever need another table.

While sound is what really matters, I like the looks of the Prime 21 vs others in the price range.

Excellent customer service & support.

American made.

I own a Linn. A great TT if it has the latest upgrades.  I have owned a Heybrook (the layman's Linn because I could not afford it at the time like many) and a Thorens.

If I had to change right now I would look at Kuzma or Pure Fidelity who offer great products for the price IMHO.

Above all I love my Townshend Elite Rock, so simple yet completely amazing

SOTA SS with ET air bearing arm (talk about rube goldberg)

Ariston RD 80 with mods.

These are the ones I've landed on the last years, but the townshend I've had since '84 and will never sell. I love turntables like cars, I'd like to have a nice warehouse full and all working with a person employed to maintain and dust them daily for my enjoyment.