The entire VPI line looks really nice and pictures do not do them justice. But in my case I opted for a basic good performing TT with the idea of first seeing how great my interest in vinyl would be, then move to upgrading the phono amp and on to a better TT if I really got involved.
The Aries 3 got the Absolute Sound 2009 Editors Choice Award and is a sharp looking piece of gear. But for $5K or so I could do a lot with amps and maybe better speakers. But, if ya got the dough, go for it!