Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbbe3h-thorens-td-1600-turntables

And now for something completely different. A few years ago, I ordered a GEM Dandy Polytable in your price range, a table that was suggested to me personally by no less than Michael Fremer himself.

Despite the witty name, this table is pretty serious. It’s the first "entry-level" design by TT Yoda George E. Merrill ("GEM" -- get it?).  If you call the company directly to order, George himself will work out a configuration with you, after which, your unit is then built to order under his supervision.  This is a boutique operation, providing the kind of personalized service that is pretty rare these days.  Post-sales support, in my experience, is unparalleled.

The Polytables’ plinths seem to share a design philosophy with Rega tables like the Planar 10 -- lightweight, exceedingly stiff, well isolated. But the table’s big claim to fame is its DMD outboard digital motor, which (and Fremer’s own measurements confirmed this) is incredibly accurate.  Although I can’t personally confirm it, George claims the DMD to offer speed accuracy in a class with six-figure tables.

And as a lifelong gizmo freak, I'm blown away by the table's "Clockwork Orange" aesthetic.

One caveat: Definitely configure the DMD motor: in addition to speed accuracy, it lets you change speeds by pressing a button.

The GEM Dandy is aunique bespoke component, not for everyone, but still interesting enough to warrant a look. You can find reviews of the table and George’s preferred Sorane arm (a big upgrade from the original Jelco) at Fremer-era AnalogPlanet & TAS.

Today, a mid-to-high-end configuration + 9" arm runs about $4500-5000. I originally outfitted my unit with an Ortofon 2M Black (about $800 at the time) & that was a good match, but the table produced even more impressive SQ when I later upgraded to a $2500 Hana Umami Blue MC.

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/gem-dandys-polytable-signature-and-sorane-ta-1l-tonearm

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/gem-dandy-polytable/

https://www.hifigem.com/

The problem with turntables is that they're very hard to compare. If you go in one store they'll have a certain cartridge mounted and be going through a certain phono preamp. They're not going to change that setup for you, even if they did carry another phono preamp, which most don't . So, you're almost stuck with reviews and buying online.

I've owned a 90's model Rega Planar 3, and a ten-thousand dollar Thorens. (I forgot the name.) Then I bought a used VPI TNT-3. The Thorens had more bloom and the Rega was faster. But I thought the VPI was the truest sounding of the lot. 

I sold the TNT-3 because I was having trouble with the unipivot tonearm. The arm was fine, but I'm getting older and shakier and mounting a nude cartridge was more than I could take. I basically bought the same turntable with some updates, the VPI Prime Signature. The basic turntable comes in many flavors and prices. I'm sure the less expensive ones would sound fine.

Even if I had the time and energy to go around listening to turntables at various dealers, they just don't carry that big a selection. So, I trust VPI to have a solid, true sound, and if I needed a new one it would be another VPI.

I also really like the company. It's family owned in the USA, and if you call with a problem you might likely end up talking to the owner who's a really nice, helpful guy. And they don't ask if you bought the turntable used or new. They just help you.

Started with a Rega and it had 60 cycle hum with cartridge near middle of record due to magnetics of motor. I moved to VPI PRIME AND VPI SPEED CONTROLLER . Ive had workmanship issues on both. VPI needs dual pivot and new lifter speed controller hum and indicator lights. I’m looking maybe Japanese turntable or Dr Feickert 

+1 for that VPI HRX listed for sale on AG. I’m guessing it could be purchased for $5k or less!