To add to what Cjnolan said, the P5 does has a better arm than the P3-24, the RB 700 as opposed to the RB 300. It is definitely a step up, IMO. But it is also perhaps out of your price range. If you want to get a starter table, I would go with the P2. Most Rega dealers will give you a deal if you like the sound and want to trade up from there. The Projects and the Technics didn't particularly wow me, either, so I hope you enjoy the Rega. It will give you much better soundstaging and imaging than those other two brands, for sure, and better resolution of instrumental and vocal timbres.
P1,2,3: the best Rega for the job
Of the P1,P2,and P3-24, can anyone offer any thoughts other than to get the most expensive one that a person can afford? Or is there applications in which each could be the best answer? For instance, I have a Mira 3 and GMA Europas. I want to try vinyl (again - didn't fall in love with the Pro-ject or the Technics) and probably won't amass more than 30 records in the next year (no used stuff 'round these parts). I listen to stuff like Lyle Lovett, Wilco, Feist, Phish, but no classical. Could the P1 be "good enough" to let me give vinyl a chance? Is there really a reason for the P2? I'd be inclined to either save with a P1 or splurge the P3 and call it done, but maybe it represents the elusive happy medium. Or does the P3 outclass the Mira's phonostage? My current thought is to try a P1 with a glass platter and "maybe" put a 2M red on it. But that gets close to the price of a P2 with the Bias installed... which isn't that far, in audiophile dollars, from a P3. Hence my dilemna. Thanks to all for your thoughts and Merry Christmas.