Re: tables I agree with Flyingred. The Galibier is an excellent table.
Re: arms I am one of those lucky few Thom referred to in his post. I run the Tri-planar and a Schroeder Reference SQ. Thom's remarks on choosing an arm that you most identify with on a mechanical level is exactly what you should consider when it comes to these two arms. ( I do prefer the Tri for rock music) Sonically these arms can both sound excellent. It is a difficult pick. Set up is the key and the one that you are better able to set up will sound "best". While they both sound great they completely differ on set up. The Tri is a breeze to set up. The Schroeder is not necessarily more difficult just more intuitive. I once compared these tonearms to firearms. Both can hit the exact bullseye. The Tri is like an a modern bolt action rifle while the Schroeder is like a fine black power rifle. Both will get the job done but set up is the key.
Re: arms I am one of those lucky few Thom referred to in his post. I run the Tri-planar and a Schroeder Reference SQ. Thom's remarks on choosing an arm that you most identify with on a mechanical level is exactly what you should consider when it comes to these two arms. ( I do prefer the Tri for rock music) Sonically these arms can both sound excellent. It is a difficult pick. Set up is the key and the one that you are better able to set up will sound "best". While they both sound great they completely differ on set up. The Tri is a breeze to set up. The Schroeder is not necessarily more difficult just more intuitive. I once compared these tonearms to firearms. Both can hit the exact bullseye. The Tri is like an a modern bolt action rifle while the Schroeder is like a fine black power rifle. Both will get the job done but set up is the key.