How do you choose a turntable ?

A very interesting question for me at this time.  I have a Nottingham Ace Space with a 10 inch arm on a Townsend isolation platform.  I had upgraded to the heavy platter some time ago. I recently got clearance from my CFO to upgrade my VAC Signature 200 IQ amps to the VAC 300 IQ Mark II's-they will be installed later this week.  My Preamp is VAC Master with phono running Magico S7's.  I perceived my turntable to be the weak link in my system, so I queried AI what turntables would give me a substantial improvement from the Nott.  I was surprised to see that the recommendations included adding the Wave Mechanic speed controller and sticking with the Nott.  According to AI on that day I would have to spend a significant amount of money to see what sounded like to be a modest sonic improvement.  Sooo, I would say you should consider an isolation platform and upgrade to the heavy platter and consider the wave mechanic as well.

I like to upgrade big, so upgrading by adding a few accessories wouldn't cut it. Spacedeck is a very good turntable, yes, you probably have to double or triple the cost to go much higher.

By looks alone 

IMHO the Fender Edition of the MoFi Studiodeck, with its sunburst pattern is an object of art. 
 

Plus it sounds pretty good also. 

YMMV
 

By looks alone 

IMHO the Fender Edition of the MoFi Studiodeck, with its sunburst pattern is an object of art. 
 

Plus it sounds pretty good also. 

YMMV
 

hey OP

I know how you feel about auditioning for this component. as others have said above, there are so many brands around and others say audition it at audio stores

if I were you, I must have a working budget to get started. with that said go to online retailers such as Music Direct Or audio advice and look around. there are hundreds of web sites to visit BUT narrow it down to products that fits your budget, I did that and I ended up with VPI. my first one was a REGA and have tried others. NOTE, it is hard enough to return and assemble / disassemble these turntables and package it back. My advice here to check out local audio stores that you can listen to.

Its journey in finding the right table. But please remember, please do not forget about synergy. your chosen TT must match well with your current gear. My gear is of modest value and the VPI was a well match unit. An acquaintance who asked for some advice on TT once had a budget of 50K $$ for the TT alone, cause his gear is in the 100K $ range. so, synergy is important. the weakest link is where it will break.

good luck