You could certainly buy a Pioneer P3a for less on certain Japanese sites - if you would trust to getting them imported in one piece. That's certainly where I would be looking - if I actually wanted another t/t.
For what it's worth, I like the SME 30: it's a very neutral player, and very adept at showing the differences between different cartridges. If I owned one, I'd just be looking at cartridge options.
Well I suppose one mans neutral is another mans bland, anyway we will know which way he thinks when he fires up the PL71. He is coming round later this week to pick up cables for it and I will lend him my SPU gold, that makes the old bugger sing.
I never knew it for a long time, but what I was looking for in a TT was a "deft touch" that I've only really found........... you know the rest!
Audio Grail "Sable" Garrard 401 with Cumbrian Green Slate plinth / Audiomods 6 / Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC, Parasound JC3+, NVA INT400sa. (Oh and a Copland CDA823 CD Player, for when I fancy a bit of the devil's spawn!)