I too have Salk speakers (Songtowers). And although my system has outgrown them...they sound better with every upgrade I've made...so they have survived...
Get an Audiolab 6000A intgegrated amp ($999). It has good enough analog (with phono) section and a great digital section. This will be more than enough for your bookshelf speakers for the moment.
And yes, I vote for the Technics 1200GR ($1700). You will pretty much blow every TT listed above with this and it will not limit you as your system grows. Spend more on the front end stuff. Also has a removable headshell...which gives you a lot more flexibility with regard to cartridges and...well...headshells. Even today, Technics still has a head start on everyone else...and at this rate, no one is catching up any time soon.. You will probably not find a better TT at twice the GR price.
Get an Audiolab 6000A intgegrated amp ($999). It has good enough analog (with phono) section and a great digital section. This will be more than enough for your bookshelf speakers for the moment.
And yes, I vote for the Technics 1200GR ($1700). You will pretty much blow every TT listed above with this and it will not limit you as your system grows. Spend more on the front end stuff. Also has a removable headshell...which gives you a lot more flexibility with regard to cartridges and...well...headshells. Even today, Technics still has a head start on everyone else...and at this rate, no one is catching up any time soon.. You will probably not find a better TT at twice the GR price.