audioreview.com is the best site. Forget about NAD and Rega - they've really slipped. If you can afford it, buy a VPI - God knows I would if I could. One really nice thing about them is that they're modular, in the sense that the low-end models can be upgraded to their high-end models by purchasing kits.

Music Hall definately gives you the best bang for your buck, hands down. Make sure you don't spend so much on the rig that you don't have enough left over for a nice tonearm, that's half the battle right there. A nice table with a crappy tonearm is a crappy rig. Furthermore, it's probably a wise idea to commit around 25% of what you spend on your table to a high-end cartridge - people REALLY underrate the importance of the cartridge. If you're in the $1000 range (which it sounds like you are, judging by the brands your talking about), I give this cartridge my highest endorsement:

www.audioadvisor.com/stor...0Cartridge

Though you might want to try one of these, instead:

www.audioadvisor.com/stor...0Cartridge

I have no experience with the later, but I've heard good things.

One more thing: you might want to consider a vibration-insulating rack. I was a skeptic at first, and still don't own one, but they do definately make an audible difference.

EDIT: A couple other things: if you really want to get a nice turntable that you won't want to replace for, say, ten years, get one with an isolated motor. An isolated motor turntable has the motor housed seperately from the platter, so that you don't suffer internal vibrations. For an example of isolated motor design, see the botom picture on this page (my 2nd all-time dream turntable to own - the $25,000 price tag has been a minor issue). The Music Hall MH7 and MH9 have isolated motors.

www.vpiindustries.com/tnthrx.htm

Also, NEVER buy a high-end table new. NEVER. Audiophiles are always upgrading, so you can always find good-as-new gear on audiogon.com for far below retail.

Another thing: once you get a nice table, remove the dust cover (if they dare package it with one) and THROW IT AWAY!

I just found this link in my bookmarks, it might have some good general advice as well.

www.turntablebasics.com/advice.html

Finally, if you really want to go for broke, check this baby out (my No. 1 all time dream turntable):

www.stereophile.com/analo...views/258/

If you want to check out some more museum pieces, here's another site from my links. The last table on the page, which used to be VPI's highest-end model, is one of the most dramatic examples of isolated-motor design I've ever seen. I've actually seen the motor set up on a seperate surface from the platter with this model.

www.audiofederation.com/c...urntables/

If you haven't noticed, this post is a work in progress, so keep checking back (unless I'm just completely over-geeking here - I really love this stuff).