Personally, Ive been very seriously contemplating some Stanton STR8-100's. Its only a matter of time really I suppose before I buy some. I always need a good period of 'build up' to psyke myself up to spend that sort of money!!! hahahah.
Lookwise, the Stantons of that model look the absolute dogs wotsits, and they have quite a high torque rate too, the more expensive 150's are even higher than the technics I think.
Until I actually see some and examine the build quality and 'finish' I wouldnt buy anyting over the net. From what I can make out on some pictures ive saved of the str8-100's thay look a great build quality.
Technics are still regarded the 'daddy' of decks, but there is (as you say) hundreds of models and manufacturers of decks nowadays!. I think the Stantons are a good rival to Technics and Im sure theres others too. Ive heard it depends on whether you are a gigging DJ and therefore what you need to 'get used to' or a bedroom jock with no master plan for world DJ domination! lol.
Ive only ever used technics once, and they were 'smooth'
lol, however Im keen to grab hold of a dabble on some Stantons
in some unsuspecting shop somewhere
.
See ya
Sirius.