I decided that I might as well run this table and cartridge through my Sutherland designed AcousTech Ph1 and man was I surprised! I didn't expect as much of a difference as the phono in the AI M3A but man was I wrong. The top end didn't change too much and was still a bit hashy, however, the lows and lower mid had some serious punch and drive and made this budget cartridge really boogie! I was thinking that I might need to change out the arm but now I found that the phono stage I was using was limiting this analog front end more than I would have thought.
Anyway, I am more excited than ever to get the Blue Point, new mat and acrylic bottom on and enjoy the end results. I've have got to go away for the weekend and won't get it finished until next week but i think it is going to be a very good Xmas.
After I am finished, I hope I can afford to keep this table for a while. At least for 6 months or so. Maybe I can get lucky and make that for 6 years and then give it to my son when he ages into a serious playback system.