Thanks Comet! I specifically bought the Ittok for the Empire, I had actually been using a Basik Plus before that. I think I have arrived at a very nice sound with the table/arm/cartridge combination. At this point, I have found myself content with where I am at with my analog front-end, and being that I am rather obsessive that is saying a lot!
I have seen mention of a few places that would sell or fabricate a solid plinth, ranging from $600-800. I looked up what a piece of aluminum would cost that I could machine myself and it was around $170. I have been considering joining the local "maker" group so that I have access to the machinery necessary to do it myself. The membership dues are about $40/mo, so even if it took me a year I would still be in the black!
That will probably be the last stage of upgrade, along with refinishing the wood base or building one that is more robust. After that, I don't see myself ever needing another turntable.