Best table & arm combo for $10K

I doubt that more than a few audiophiles, except maybe professional reviewers, has any first-hand, personal experience with more than 2 of these high-end turntable / tonearm combos. I have heard only two of them: the VPI TNT-V (although not the "Hot Rod" version) with JMW-12.5 arm, and the Basis Debut with Graham 2.2 arm. Unfortunately, this involved two different listening sessions that were months apart in separate systems, so there was no A-B comparison, and the long-term audio memory is not always reliable. Having said that, I think I preferred the VPI over the Basis, as the VPI had a slightly richer tonal balance to my ear.

Based on the equipment reviews I have read in various audio mags over the past 2 years, I think you would be well served by any of these four setups:
1. Clearaudio Maximum (terrific German engineering) with Graham 2.2 (some argue this is the best unipivot arm today);
2. VPI TNT ("Hot Rod" or regular "V" version) with the JMW 12.5 arm (Harry Weisfeld continues to build turntable systems that offer both high performance and high value);
3. Basis 2500 (there are advantages and disadvantages to vacuum hold-down which you need to consider) with Graham 2.2;
4. Kuzma Stabi Reference (an incredibly solid TT) with Graham 2.2 or other high-quality arm.

I have had no direct experience with SME turntables or arms, and will thus leave commentary on these fine units to others.