What's a good beginner turntable at $2500+- range?

Thanks for the good tips. I'm thinking $2500 before cartridge and accessories so I should have clarified.

Does anyone have experience with Wilson Benesch tables?

Thanks guys. I think I'm trying to shoot a bit higher here than the modified Technics suggestion while I'm sure it's an excellent product. I just want a table that can keep up with the rest of my system.

Keep 'em coming. Specifically can anyone compare the wilson benesch tables to others named here?

Original poster here.

OK Sufentanil. Yes I'll be totally new to this other than the table I had as a kid until I was about 16.

My Ayre Preamp has phono so I am assuming that is all I need, but maybe I need something else too?

I am not looking for anything complicated or that requires much tweaking, at least not yet. Simple and bullet proof will do. I can swing a higher price point but most of my other components are in the $4500 range used so I'd be hesitant to spend more than that. Let's make $3500-$4500 the final budget + or -.

My thoughts on the suggestions from the thread so far:

VPI Scoutmaster Aries TNT or Superscoutmaster- I was leaning in this direction when I started the thread. I like the looks.
Technics- Seems like a great product with quite a following. I wonder if there is better at this price point?
Sota- Seems like a solid choice.
Nottingham- Don't know anything about this one but it's mentioned a few times so is worthy of consideration.
Linn- Seems like it may fall in the same category as the Technics and that it takes a series of tweaks and modifications to compete.
Clearaudio- Seems like a solid choice.
Mitchel- This one is mentioned a few times and should make the potential list.
Rega- ?
Kuzma, Oracle, Nottingham, Pro-Ject, Lenco, Galibier, Acoustic Solid all are suggested but I don't know anything about any of them.

Thanks again fro everyone's help!

Mike

Sufentanil-

My record collection is mostly comprised of Pop and Jazz.

Ayre manual says gain is set at the factory to 50dB. It's also adjustable from 40dB to 60dB. Guidelines are 1.0 mV= 60dB, 1.0-3.0mV=50dB and >3mV=40dB. The directions to switch it follows and I think I'd prefer to find something that will mate with the factory setting of 50dB.

I've looked around a bit and I don't know of any dealers off hand that deal in analog in Denver. While I am sure I can find some I hate to waste their time when I'm just going to buy used anyway. My temptation is to make an educated purchase and try it. When I bought my Wadia CD player I bought 3 players used and auditioned them all, and then sold the ones I did not want. I could do that again.

I think I should figure out the most likely couple of options and cartridges and start trying them.

I was planning on a record cleaning machine, probably a VPI and I was not considering that in the given price range.

Again your help is appreciated.

Mike

Thanks. I'll look them up.