I need your help. I have an ARC Ref 3, ARC 110, Vandersteen 5As, but no turntable.

Don't skimp on the phono stage.  I learned first hand this summer when my failing 25 year old phono amp needed to be replaced. I tried an inexpensive phono stage, gave it weeks to burn-in but the music just seemed to dribble out of it.  No dynamic swing, virtually no air around the notes and a small, unrealistic soundstage.

After trading that in ($895 unit), I moved up to a ($2300) phono stage.  Unbelievable difference.  The biggest positive surprise was how it's dynamic headroom minimizes the impact of tics and pops on the music,  Surface noise is just less noticeable.  

I am not saying there aren't very reasonably priced fine sounding units out there, the one I chose just couldn't get it done.

Don't deny yourself the beautiful sonics available from great LPs on a well set up rig.  You mentioned earlier that you would have a local expert set up the table.  Absolutely!!  Much more important than the analog gear you buy is the expert set up of that rig.  It's all about the correct geometry between the LP and the cartridge!  Best.