I've had mine for about 3+ years. It replaced a vintage B&O table that finally lost its speed stability. I'm if anything, a value shopper and I do my homework. The Marantz table is built by Clearaudio fashioned after their Emotion table, still in their lineup I believe. Marantz improved the design of the plinth, uses much better feet, and comes standard with the Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cart. Given that the basic table will play identically to the Emotion model, the value comes with the cartridge and the Marantz name, likely lowering the market price which is stupid, but good for buyers.
Because I was so sensitive to speed stability issues I find that issue is now gone. The table has been rock solid and I don't see that changing. Setup is dirt simple. For the price of $1,499 this table remains a steal. I highly recommend also spending $60 for the Qup device (not in picture) to lift the arm at the record's end.
Once the Virtuoso cartridge needed to be retipped I went with the level 3 upgrade from Soundsmilth, the ruby cantilever and contact line stylus. This improved sound quality of the cart a couple of notches.
My only gripes are the location of the motor switch and a wiring approach that requires you to use their cable which is continuous from the head shell to the phono connection. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
Edit: I also have upgraded to Herbies Way Excellent platter mat, also not shown. That really improved the foundational weight of the sound. Amazing.
