Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.

There are different technologies for turntables: idler wheel drive, belt drive, and direct drive. They sound different. I like belt drive - I gave away my last DD.

I now have two turntables, a DIY air bearing turntable / tonearm combination (which sounds better than anything else I've heard) and a Nottingham Analogue Mentor (which sounds much better than any Linn of the same era, IMO). Current model is Dais, which you might afford used. My cartridges are a MC and a MI, driving Quad electrostatics and Magnepan DWM's.

The thing about a belt drive is that it depends less on the motor than the other technologies, and interactions between the motor and platter, and between the motor and tonearm, can both be minimized or eliminated. Also, belt drive can have a much simpler controller, and so almost nothing to go wrong. So it makes sense to buy a boutique belt drive from the factory, whereas it would be madness to buy a DD from anyone but a major manufacturer through a scrupulous retailer. These factors can shave a lot off the cost.

Good luck with all of it - and my experience is VERY different from @ghdprentice , in that I can't listen to digital for more than a few minutes without gritting my teeth and begging for it to stop. YMMV

Merrill Superpolytable used with Jelco 12" or the current arm, either with a used Benz Micro RubyH or comparable Benz or Lyra. Or VPI Super Prime or comparable model with the 10.5 uni arm, I think it is JMW10, and slightly used cartridge of choice. Both of these more value, and I think more long lasting than anything you buy new these days in that price range, as a belt, if you go belt. 

Checkout Vertere Audio. 
 

DG-1S — Dynamic Groove
 

Good Luck!

The VPI HRX for sale on AG would be my pick.  I have never heard a VPI table I didn't like.

I love that Michell Gyro Dec !    It not only has the superb musicality...It's a "Looker"...