Here's my turntable history:
Early 80s
After a brief fling with a Dual CS505-1, I spotted an ARXA in a NYC thrift shop for $20 which I later modified to accommodate a Grace G707.
Mid 80s
I found an ARXB that seemed suitable for a full blown Merrill modification program which I found in the back pages of Audio magazine. The mods include: acrylic sub-chassis drilled for a Sumiko FT-3 with VTA-16 base, upgraded bearing, higher torque motor, stiffer springs, balanced/lead coated outer platter, SOTA acrylic mat and reflex clamp + Grado Signature 8MR. It wasn't shamed by a contemporary Linn LP12. Everything
@JohnVF said about his AR/Merrill applicable here. The only thing which bothered me was pitch instability in sustained piano chords.
I'd take long walks to Books Kinokuniya NYC when taking breaks from the practice room. Even in the late 80s, EMT927s, Garrard 301s and Thorens TD124 were in the pages Stereo Sound Magazine. Since the classrooms at Juilliard were equipped with TD124s, I was familiar with it. So when I chanced upon a TD124 Mk. II at Cosmophonic Sounds on the upper east side for $50, I grabbed it. After installing a Sumiko MMT, no more pitch instability. It was also a more powerful and dynamic sound. But I was too ashamed to admit my discovery to my audio buddies.

Unfortunately I can't find a contemporary picture of my first MkII, the TD124 pictured was my second. I got this in an estate sale for $1 with an SMG212 which I foolishly sold later at a ham fest just for cosmetic reasons.

Admittedly, the TD124 is a complex machine to maintain and tiny imperfections in the idler wheel turns it to a steam locomotive. An
Audio Silente idler wheel solved that issue for me.
The 90s and beyond
In spite of my emotional attachment to the TD124 and MkII, the Garrard 301 and 401 are slightly better technically and musically.
Since '80s audiophile magazines (TAS, Stereophile, HFNRR, etc.) were touting belt-drive, I didn't have much experience with direct drive turntables. So when I returned to the US in 2016 I started hunting for
DD turntables. My ears had a slight preference for
AC over DC direct drive motors. This Sony TTS2500 emerged as my favorite even if it was lacking that last bit of organic sound I get out of the Garrard 301/401 and Thorens TD124.
Just my honest opinion and experience, no flames intended.
