I agree that VPI seems to produce the best tables at their price points. They are VERY hard to beat. As a suggestion, a used early VPI table can generally / often be upgraded with one of their 2 inch aluminum platters / bearings and motor system. That will raise the performance of the older table significantly.
As for a phono stage, IMO, you only need to know the Herron Audio brand. Pick either an updated VTPH-1 (if you're lucky enough to find one) or the VTPH-2. Though the -2 is a big step up over the -1, both are in the top drawer for performance. And both cost MUCH less than the much more expensive phono stages that they better. At least that has been my experience and the experience of others.
As for a phono stage, IMO, you only need to know the Herron Audio brand. Pick either an updated VTPH-1 (if you're lucky enough to find one) or the VTPH-2. Though the -2 is a big step up over the -1, both are in the top drawer for performance. And both cost MUCH less than the much more expensive phono stages that they better. At least that has been my experience and the experience of others.