Dense, powerful sounding TT, decent top $3500 max?

For me, the combination of table, tonearm, tonearm cable AND cartridge makes sound sampling a more complex and tougher task than simply injecting into the audio chain any of the other individual components such as preamp, amp or speakers. Relying on information and impressions of others thus becomes an even more important factor in consideration of that leading portion of the phono front end. Thanks very much to all , especially Dougdeacon, because his comments on Teres/Galibier help solidify my own predilections in regard to where I believe I will go.

Thanks, fellows, for your thoughts so far. Jtimothya: I've checked out info before on the Teres 255, and was quite favorably impressed by what I read. I also found interesting your comparative comment regarding the Sota Sapphire, which I owned too a number of years back, and which, to my ears at least, always sounded more stereotypically "solid state". I will take another good look at the Teres 255. And Jaybo: Your point is well taken also. That same thought has crossed my mind before. Otherwise, I've noted one other good possibility---the Serac by Galibier, which is expected soon to make its market debut. Has anyone out there heard more about this unit ?

Forgot to mention...I have the Supratek Cortese preamp and am currently with the low output Grado Sonata cartridge, but will move to either one of the Benz or Shelter cartridges, and not the most expensive model.