I owned an Aries 1 TT for years, and still believe that it is one of the best decks ever designed. The heavy platter/spindle system was a model of mass loaded simplicity. I sold it because I grew to dislike the JMW tonearm; more specifically, to dislike the guesstimation method of adjusting azimuth on the VPI arms. In retrospect, I probably should have sold the arm and re-drilled the plinth for a Graham or something similar.
But to the OP's question - the Systemdek IVe is a pretty good deck, not world class but pretty good. What is it specifically about the Systemdek that you do not like or believe is lacking? Have you tried twealing your deck or changing the cartridge?
There are many, many good decks out there at a variety of price points. If you ask ten guys here you will receive ten different answers. If you are going to spend some serious gelt on a new analog rig, you should probably be able to articulate what you are unhappy with and what you expect to gain by a change. Not to be dismissive, but simply posting that you are looking for "a clear improvement" is too vague for anyone to provide you with a thoughtful and useful response. IMO
But to the OP's question - the Systemdek IVe is a pretty good deck, not world class but pretty good. What is it specifically about the Systemdek that you do not like or believe is lacking? Have you tried twealing your deck or changing the cartridge?
There are many, many good decks out there at a variety of price points. If you ask ten guys here you will receive ten different answers. If you are going to spend some serious gelt on a new analog rig, you should probably be able to articulate what you are unhappy with and what you expect to gain by a change. Not to be dismissive, but simply posting that you are looking for "a clear improvement" is too vague for anyone to provide you with a thoughtful and useful response. IMO