Quoted from Whifflebat:I'm looking to get something that is ready to go upon set up, so I think I want to get a NIB pin vs. an older, used table, unless it's a clean restore?
NIB is a good way to start, but many new machines may need adjustments or minor repairs (e.g. changing a switch or a bulb) too. An alternative to NIB would be to find a local pin, play it first and have a good discussion with the seller to ensure it doesn't have any major issues with it (if possible, bring someone who knows pins with you). Restorations typically call for a premium, well maintained HUO will be a good choice too
Quoted from Whifflebat:While I like many of the themes and presentation of the new Stern tables (Star Wars, Ghostbusters, GOTG, etc), I'm a little concerned with the negative feedback the SPIKE 2 system has been getting (i.e. repair difficulties, future availability of boards and components, etc.). Is this a valid concern? ?
There's a lot of talk about Stern quality lately, and there's no solid conclusion as far as I can see on whether that's a future concern or not. Still, so far so good and the issues are resolvable. You could look into Spooky or JJP pins too but typically the condition is matters the most
Quoted from Whifflebat:After playing some classic tables virtually on Pinball Arcade, I've come to really enjoy the gameplay of Tales of the Arabian Nights, Theater of Magic and Circus Voltaire. I understand there are rumors that Chicago Gaming Company will continue to manufacture remakes of classic tables potentially including these titles much like they did for Medieval Madness and Attack on Mars. What's everyone's opinions on these remakes and these titles in particular (TOTAN, TOM and CV) in regards to home use for a semi-casual enthusiast?
CGC remakes are great, I have MMR myself and have been very happy with the quality and the functionality. It is likely that the next CGC remake will be Monster Bash and not one of the pins you are looking for. You may be in for years of waiting before they can produce TOTAN, ToM or CV - play first at a local barcade and then decide if one of those pins is what you want. If so, look for a good used machine
Good luck, and welcome to the pinball fever madness. I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance or repairs, pinside will help and learning the basics is not rocket science