"$10k seems very reasonable"
If that's the case, then you're also dropping minimum $3-5K on a phono stage at some point to make that 10$K investment sound the way it's intended. Existing phono stage needs to step up with the new table.
Big picture is you're dropping 15 large when all said and done.
Just another perspective here. $10K can also buy a better phonostage $3-5K and a Rega P10 -arguably enough audiophool performance to satisfy plenty of owners who have 'been there, done that" with nice setups. You may even be able to find a deal with the Apheta cartridge.
P10 or a Technics can be a significant upgrade for the dough. A used VPI might be realistic also, but you need to know exactly what you're getting for the money.
All those tables suggested can be end game but, you still have your existing phonostage.
If that's the case, then you're also dropping minimum $3-5K on a phono stage at some point to make that 10$K investment sound the way it's intended. Existing phono stage needs to step up with the new table.
Big picture is you're dropping 15 large when all said and done.
Just another perspective here. $10K can also buy a better phonostage $3-5K and a Rega P10 -arguably enough audiophool performance to satisfy plenty of owners who have 'been there, done that" with nice setups. You may even be able to find a deal with the Apheta cartridge.
P10 or a Technics can be a significant upgrade for the dough. A used VPI might be realistic also, but you need to know exactly what you're getting for the money.
All those tables suggested can be end game but, you still have your existing phonostage.