Yes absolutely, for that money you can buy a brand new Sota. They have excellent dust covers and a great suspension. You can pound on one with a hammer and it will not skip. You want to look at the Sapphire. I would get a used SME arm for it from these guys. http://www.smetonearms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=75
Upgrade chat...
Looking to possibly upgrade from a VPI HW-19 jr with MK 3 platter. This unit was purchased secondhand in 1998. The MK 3 platter was added a few years back. This unit has provided zero issues over the years. My only complaint with the unit it the notorious Grado hum from the 120v motor. Requirements for next unit are a hinged dust cover, dimensions roughly the same as the VPI, and must be secondhand or demo. 5-6k max money wise. Been looking at the Mobile Fidelity unit. Not sure it would be a step up in performance. Also looking at the Thorens with the semi auto function. Keep the VPI and upgrade it to a mk 4? Any ideas would be welcome.