I haven't heard the Artisan arm, but I'll still cast another Serac vote. The bearing and motor alone are head and shoulders beyond any other table in this price range, as were the Teres offerings before they dropped out of the sub $5K market. Pro-Ject and VPI offerings don't come close in either of these key components.
The fact that Galibier uses a mylar belt, instead of rubber, thread or some other non-linear material, is of enormous importance - and this factor is not appreciated as widely as it should be. A Galibier maintains rock steady speed through transients that puts most belt drive tables to shame, while its high mass provides a solid base and black backgrounds that DD and idler wheel tables can only dream about.
If the arm turns out to need an upgrade at some point, the Serac will still provide that rock solid base, and Thom can make an armboard for any tonearm.
You won't get all this from any other rig in this price range AFAIK. (Note: no affiliation, ownership interest or any interest beyond calling Thom a friend, just reporting what I've seen/heard).
