Surprised no one has mentioned any of the VPI TT's. Used $3k for VPI classic 3 plus good cartridge (ART9, HANA MC,). That said I agree with comments on looking for solid phono pre amp...makes HUGE difference to sound out, Herron, Audio Mirror Trubadour ll SE, etc. Good luck with the search and watch out for Alice's rabbit hole :-)
turntable recommendations
I'm currently running a rega rp6 with a groovetracer subplatter and a dynavector 20x2 cartridge. I quite like it, but Upgradeitis has set in. My goal is to get a noticeable improvement without breaking the bank, say $5 K absolute tops. I prefer new. Based on my search to date, my current finalists are a rega p8 with apheta 3, or a dr. feikert volare with Origin silver mk3a tonearm and a hana ml. Others I seriously considered are a clearaudio performance DC wood or a VPI prime, but with those I would have to put the Dynavector on it to stay under budget and it already has high hours on it. None of these choices are available to demo in my area (Seattle) so I'm reaching out to my audiophile brethren for your experience, to better inform my decision.