New Turntable

Conclusion from reading this thread: most audiophiles like and will recommend what they own and listen to. So by asking the question “which turntable”, you’re really asking “what do you own”. 
There are 3 fundamentally different ways to spin a platter. Each has its strengths and weaknesses vs the other two. Maybe you ought to do some listening in advance of purchase to determine whether perhaps you will prefer one technology over the others. Then go in that direction.

lewm: 2 points

1) Stating that asking the question of which turntable automatically means "what I own" is a rather blanket statement.  If I knew something that sounded better, say the Rockport, at $100,000, was better but I just can't afford the space and price tag.  I would state that.  The Nantais tables are just plain better on all levels.  If I was going for the absolute best playback, it would be the Ampex MR-70.  Again to big and complex to keep running.  And reel to reels are just too hard to store and deal with.

Now some may tout what they bought, even if they know something better.  But I doubt that is in the majority.

2) Where you are correct is that you should try to listen for yourself.  You just have to figure out a control process to determine which is best.  Arthur's process is a big help in creating your own process.

Most stereo equipment have subtle differences between them.  Some work great in a controlled enviornment in a store, but do not work well if you do not have a dedicated music room.  My biggest mistake was buying an amp that sound great in the store.  Sounded better than my amp and preamp when tested in the store.  Brought it home.  After two weeks my wife said to get rid of that thing and go back to the old amp, which I did.

Now in the case of some things. they are an order of magnitude better.  Nantias' turntables are one of those things.  I'm not talking about subtile differences where there is give and take.  These are a whole magintude jump in performance that rivals the best studio equipment.

One of my clients is a recording engineer and had his own label many decades ago.  When I told him about my new turntable, he really didn't believe it.  Until he came over and we had a listening session.  He had to admit that this was incredible.  And he was never one to change opinions easily.

You’re preaching to the converted. I love my Lenco.but I moved from a Nantais version to a different build. However I do agree the Nantais is excellent.

when you mention Arthur without further explanation, do you refer to Arthur Salvatore? I find him to be thoughtful but way too dogmatic. Some of the gear he loves I don’t love.

I enjoyed an Ovation for a couple of years, preferring an Origin Live arm instead of a Clearaudio Universal. My upgrade to an Acoustic Signature Montana Neo was indeed an upgrade, but much smaller sonically than the 5x difference in co$t.

Best advice for buying a turntable? Buy one from a company that ONLY does turntables...  Rega is the only exception to that rule... maybe the higher end Technics but you are making a compromise with tonearms .