Hard to gauge the sound quality in a stock configuration because the tonearm is quite primitive. Once modded I am a big fan of idlers.
I think I should be able to do the plinth by myself, the mods are well documented, but someone else would have to do the finish. Contacting Dr Wood is another good idea numbs .I'm not sure what to go for as far as tonearm (budget under $1000 used, Moerch?) I like the Graham Phantom and Tri-Planar but they are out of my budget at the moment.