I own a SAM Antares Turntable and have been using it quite happily for about 10 years. I opted for more traditional tonearms and asked them to make two arm brackets to accommodate a Micro Seiki MA505 and a Grace G-747 tonearm, which they graciously did. After a few years of use, I upgraded the motor with a Chinese made separate out board unit and switched one of the Tonearms to a Grace G-840. The Construction is solid, the aesthetics are pleasing, and the sound is far above any expectations I’ve had.
Previously, I have used an Ariston RD-40, Micro-Tannoy TM 44D, Micro Seiki DD35, and a Micro Seiki MB-51 with a Grace G-747, Micro seiki MA202, MA505, and MA707 tonearms respectively. The SAM Antares has consistently outperformed them all. About 6 years ago, I bought a used Oracle Delphi MkIV with a Kuzma Stogi Ref 313 tonearm. That has been the only Table & Tonearm combo so far to best it, and not by a large margin. In terms of clarity and imaging, they are equal. Bass extension and dynamics on the Delphi IV are noticeably better using the same phono cartridges; especially MC or Moving Iron types.
I have played with a wide variety of MM & MC cartridges and settled on Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC and Soundsmith Boheme.
I whole heartedly recommend the SAM products. The Anatres, I have represents the base of their product line and easily outperforms tables in the $1500 - $2000 range. I can only imagine their other offerings are even better.