Is your OL Illustrious tonearm a recent MK3C? Properly set up I was able to use mine with excellent results on a OL Resolution mk3-2 with their speed control (LSC) upgrade. I used a Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Kiseki Purpleheart, and Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum. The arm is now moved to a dual arm OL Sovereign paired with the Enterprise C arm. Your arm takes a little attention to detail, as all do, to perform at a high level but you may be shortchanging yourself expecting to better its performance as well as acquiring a different TT in the price range you are targeting.
Turntable and Arm Combination in 5K range (maximum)
I have a new Dynavector TKR cartridge and it simply amazes me. In the spirit of being further amazed, I am thinking about a turntable and tonearm change. Currently I use a Hanss T-20 table with an Origin Live Illustrious tonearm. The TKR seems to be happy with this tandem, but suggestions from analog gurus on other things to consider -- either new or used -- would be greatly appreciated. I listen almost exclusively to classical, and have a collection of about 1500 classical records. My tastes lean toward quick, dynamic, and wide soundstage, as I do listen to a lot of chamber music and solo piano (I am a hack classical pianist as well). I find recordings of piano music to be particularly demanding of my system, which is Sanders 10 planars and a mix of ARC tube and solid state amplifiers. When you get good vinyl, it is stunning. Thanks in advance.