Looking for a entry level audiophile turntable


I am looking for a good turntable under $1500. I not sure which way to go. Buy a new Sota Comet, Music Hall 5.1SE, Music Hall 7, Rega P3-24, Rega P5 or used VPI Scout or maybe something else?
Thanks in advance for your help.
alan4545
You will have to determine if your set on "new". If so, I cannot help you as I have no experience or chair time with any of the "newer" companies that produce tables. Project, Music Hall, and Rega all seem to produce great quality products for the price and write-ups and most users seem very satisfied.

I am a proponent of the buy it used camp. I think a used VPI or SOTA with a good matching arm/cartridge would give you a wonderful analog front-end.

I say this after purchasing numerous new Garrard, JVC, and Thorens turntables. Although there is something special about having it new, in the box, and fresh, especially turntables, I think used is the way to get a great performance-price ratio.

My used Sapphire was a geninue bargain for the amount of musical satisifaction. I have since gone up the line but for a price/performance ratio a used table is hard to beat.

Conversely if you don't have any available in your area that you can physically inspect/listen to you don't know the history and may have to buy belts, check wear, etc, etc, and so if you are adverse to that idea, then maybe new works.

Have Fun.
You can't do better in that price range, new, than the Rega P5. Great soundstage!
One good thing about the Scouts are that everyone agrees that are a great value for the $$ and it has a great upgrade path..Also there is always an abundance of them available on the used market,due to Vinyl guys ( or gals ) going higher in the VPI lineup..I am trying to save for one myself..........
Put a KAB/Technics table on your list. Fully modded with a nice cartridge it should be close to the others you mentioned. A few bucks left over for isolation and a few new lp's and you might be very happy. KAB service is great and resale is best in class. Although I have only heard the Music Hall 7 and the Rega P3-24 with my system the Technics was right there with both of them and I felt the overall ease of use and sound in general was better. I have been very happy with the MG5 and Goldring 1042 cartridge combo.
I've recently added a VPI Scout to my system and couldn't be happier. The cost was $2000 which included a Dynavector 10x5 mounted and ready to go. I'm not familiar with other tables so I can't offer a comparison, but my take is that your budget will get you into a very competent rig that will bring you much satisfaction.