jwei, I purchased a VPI Prime Signature 21 and am very happy with it. It’s about $9K with Fatboy Arm, decent isolation feet. Heavy platter and powerful motor. Standard VPI stuff. I don’t think I could justify spending more on a turntable. IMHO VPI is solid and pretty much true. I probably would be impressed with a turntable that costs five or ten times as much, but don't think it would be worth the extra $. I don't ever have turntable envy, although I do have cartridge envy. I think a few thousand dollars would be much more noticed in a better cartridge.
jwei, I purchased a VPI Prime Signature 21 for about 20% of $50K. I like it. I never have turntable envy. I just play records and feel that I am getting a true sound. I do have cartridge envy, however.