Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.

These Threads Types regularly bring the Vintage Option to the Forefront, but not always the entirety of the options.

The Links will show an alternative for a Idler Drive TT and DD TT's which will prove to be very difficult to surpass with TT's bought at the $4K to $5K price range.

I would also strongly suggest a Vintage DD TT, proven to be in Good Order, when mounted in a particular design for a Plinth, will sit comfortably in the Company of TT's at the $20K+ purchase range in today's monies.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa7jbe-ptp-audio-solid-12-9-with-tonearms-turntables?refsource=hifishark

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/1158791001/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/o1159224626/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/v1158419208/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/d1159588167/

I just acquired my first direct drive TT after 35 years participation in our great hobby. Technics 1200 GR2. I am in love with the look, feel, ability to change cartridges easily, great system for setting VTA, cartridge alignment and VTF. It sounds great too. Everytime I turn this on it brings a big smile and now, when I want to listen to original release mono recordings, one minute switch to use my mono cartridge. The rig was $2300 and change and worth every penny.

I suggest you investigate the Technics SL 1200 G. I believe this is the only turntable recommended by Stereophile magazine as a highly recommended direct-drive audiophile turntable that isn’t a $10,000+ belt-drive turntable. I believe the Technics SL 1200 G will be under $5000. I don’t believe it comes with any cartridge, so would recommend you would at least start with an Ortofon 2M blue or something higher in price from them or Sumiko.

+1 Rega P8- will allow a cartridge >$1000 which can be money well spent if it matches up with the phono stage and arm (a lighter weight cartridge would be best). I am personally a van den Hul fan. Just make sure it is not going to be subject to any floor vibration from a suspended floor or you'll need a wall shelf and vibration control. Those improvements will make it very tough to beat for a lot more money because of the excellent high value arms Rega makes that are included. In this case an RB 880. Not a fan of Rega cartridges though. I think they are overpriced.

OP, you might consider a new Linn LP12 Majik. This table should be in budget and will include a decent Arm/ MM cartridge along with a good choice of options if you desire. The basic model is well equipped and will allow you to upgrade if you desire and funds allow, without having to ditch the original table to do so.