Abhijit, I've listened to the Mitchel, but not at great length so comment wouldn't be fair. As Dave mentioned above I'm a big VPI fan personally so you already know what I'm going to tell you. I really do believe that for the money you are talking about spending the Aries 3 with the 10.5i arm is the standout performer. As a base unit this is an absoultely stunning looking and performing table. You needn't worry about the plint, the sandwiched layers of acrylic and aluminum will be absolutely inert I assure you. The 10.5i arm is the best they make, only differing in length from the 12.5. It comes with the ability to precisely adjust VTA while the record is spinning, it's also very easy to adjust azimuth and it now includes the new anti skate mechanism and a dropped counterweight (lowers the CG of the arm for better tracking). Spend the extra $300.00 and get the i version with the Nordost wiring, it is a worthwhile improvement.
One of the things I like most about VPI's philosophy is that you can always upgrade. A person on a budget can start with a Scout and eventually work their way up to a full Super Sout Master as finances allow. Same thing with the Aries 3. It comes with the same platter and bearing as the HRX, so you can eventually add the perifery ring clamp, and the external flywheel, and the SDS motor controller at your own pace. You can also add additional tonearm wands to the 10.5i if you have multiple cartridges. Once properly set up it literally takes seconds to swap out arm wands.
The VPI products are very revealing, subtle changes are quite apparent. I've dialed VTA in to where you really do get that "SNAP" into place concerning imaging and soundstage - you know when it's right. I also just switched from the standard VPI center clamp to a Black Diamond Racing version. Even this rendered a noticble improvement.
So there you have my opinion. If you want a turntable that sounds marvelous once properly set up, this is a true "set & forget" solution. On the other hand, if you want to spend some time tinkering, and engaging in the ritual of vinyl devotion, the possibilities are only limited by your budget and time.
Good luck no matter what you choose, always good to have another vinyl addict in the group...