upgrading the analog setup

Heard the RP8/20X2l/P75mk3 at a dealer. Played the Patrica Barber Cafe Blue. Was amazing. Played some other stuff as well which was all very good but the PB record was a knockout.

Upgraded to a Clearaudio Innovation Wood last year, but ran an old Series III SOTA Star before that. The SOTA was my 1st table, and it made me fall in love with vinyl. I can heartily recommend it, and I'd urge you towards a SOTA table with the 4-point sprung suspension. That means (I believe) a modern Sapphire or a Star or higher (any vintage). I think you can swing that in your price range. My vacuum platter didn't work -- due to the ravages of time on the older silicon lip -- so I have no opinion on its functionality. However, a working vacuum seal may make it an even better table.

I also have local friends who are *very* happy with their AVID and VPI turntables -- I certainly wouldn't mind owning products from either company; they look, feel, and sound like serious hifi. Lovely tables.

Having at least seen in person examples from the other companies, I wouldn't own their products. They look/feel too much like toys, and I'm significantly biased towards very serious/substantial looking tables.