To answer your specific question, here's one way to do what you ask:
VPI ScoutMaster turntable and tonearm....$2400
Sumiko Blackbird, Grado Sonata or
Dynavector 20X-H(choose to suit taste)..$500-750
EAR 834P phono stage...........................$1200
Interconnects (two sets)... $???
As others have noted, if you're willing to consider a used phono stage, you can get further improvement for the same cost. For example, a used Herron VTSP for about $1800 would still fit in the budget.
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VPI ScoutMaster turntable and tonearm....$2400
Sumiko Blackbird, Grado Sonata or
Dynavector 20X-H(choose to suit taste)..$500-750
EAR 834P phono stage...........................$1200
Interconnects (two sets)... $???
As others have noted, if you're willing to consider a used phono stage, you can get further improvement for the same cost. For example, a used Herron VTSP for about $1800 would still fit in the budget.
.