best "entry level" audiophile TT?

I get to hear a lot of different equipment which gives me an awareness of "schools of hearing".

There's a reason why many favor the lively sound of a slightly fast and light Rega and call it PRAT while others prefer a heavier sprung suspended table i.e. Linn, Thorens, etc. and call it musical. Then others with the $$$ and a preference for detail go for high-mass Teres and such and call it accurate and airy.

Then it really gets complicated. The DV 10x5 makes my suspended table sound more like a Rega but the Benz Micro Ace gets it back toward "musical". The 47 labs McBee took it toward Teres or Michell territory.

While I'm writing this I'm listening to the suspended Ariston, musical, Benz Ace, musical, AQvox Phono2, Prat, Arc LS-1, Prat/musical and so on.

Of course one mans musical is anothers Prat.

Get a Thorens, or Rega or Technics at the right price and see for yourself. None of us hears like you do. You might flip the first table you buy or love it and then flip it later 'cause you heard something "better".

Waddya think keeps the classifieds here so busy. Getting there is half the fun.

One of the reasons alot of people on here recommend Rega's is that they are easily upgradable in many different ways but they also have some drawbacks.

One of the reasons alot of people on here recommend Rega's is that they are easily upgradable in many different ways but they also have some drawbacks.

Another reason is they realize the table's limitations and are looking to sell, so that they can upgrade!

The Rega table is a very successful product commercially. The Toyota Corolla is the world's best selling automobile; but that doesn't mean it's the best.

Is'nt it ironic that in the days of digital, there are so many excellent turntables at every price point and turntables do seem an area where you get what you pay for. As things stand, in the US, you probably want to stick to US products, because of the $ price. Having said that Rega and Project are excellent and competitive in any market. If you plan to upgrade then going for Rega or Clearaudio or VPI which allow for upgradeabilty is a good idea. In the UK I went onto an Origin Live Resolution, but it is probably overpriced in the US.
As Kitch says, you have to listen yourself, if it sounds good to you it is good.

I listened for months to various tables and ended up choosing the Rega P5 with the TT PSU and an Exact2 cartridge. For my price-point I could not find one that sounded better. Plus the fact that Stereophile chose this table as the analogue product of the year in 2005. Everyone had their opinion but really matters is yours - let your ears direct you to the table of choice.