Lot's of good recommendations already given.
You can find a very nice used VPI TT in your price range and leave enough room for a good phono stage and cartridge. Lots of deals on VPI's that have upgraded 3d tonearms and a good cartridge such as the ortofon black. You should be able to find a package in the $3k-$4k range and that leaves you plenty for a decent phono preamp.
Many good choices out there for a phono preamp but it depends on your preamp. I would pay attention to input / output impedance match up. MillerCarbon recommends an outstanding phono stage with the Herron but make sure your preamp can match up well with the high output impedance of a tube phono stage. Unless unusually low such as the case with my Bryston BP26 preamp you should be fine. If you want something different the Parasound JC3 also is a good choice IMO.
Good luck on your journey. Your budgeting enough to put together something very nice. Enjoy!
You can find a very nice used VPI TT in your price range and leave enough room for a good phono stage and cartridge. Lots of deals on VPI's that have upgraded 3d tonearms and a good cartridge such as the ortofon black. You should be able to find a package in the $3k-$4k range and that leaves you plenty for a decent phono preamp.
Many good choices out there for a phono preamp but it depends on your preamp. I would pay attention to input / output impedance match up. MillerCarbon recommends an outstanding phono stage with the Herron but make sure your preamp can match up well with the high output impedance of a tube phono stage. Unless unusually low such as the case with my Bryston BP26 preamp you should be fine. If you want something different the Parasound JC3 also is a good choice IMO.
Good luck on your journey. Your budgeting enough to put together something very nice. Enjoy!