If you're still looking for used and affordable 'tables, I would like to recommend the Thorens TD-125 and the Yamaha PF-800.
The Thorens is a wonderful 'table when fitted with the usual SME 3009 arm - stable pitch, big soundstage, refined top end.
The Yamaha 'table was a major surprise for me - suspended, heavy platter, decent arm. When I bought it from a friend, another acquaintance -a stereophile reviewer- expressed consternation - he'd wanted it!
Just for reference, here are the best tables I've heard, in order:
1. Kuzma "Classic"(? unsure of model) With Cardas Heart cartridge - George Cardas brought this to the Stereophile Hi-Fi show in 1995 and told us it was "$1200"... but I've never seen another one under $2500.
2. VPI TNT / ET linear arm/ Benz Micro MC3 cart
3. Well-Tempered Turntable/ Arm/ AT (?) cartridge
4. Linn 25th anniversary LP12 w/Benz MC3 cartridge
5. Thorens TD-125/SME 3009/ Ortofon unk cartridge
6. Yamaha PF-800 with variety of cartridges. I regret selling it.
7. Un-modified Technics 1200MK2/Standard Arm/Ortofon 2M Blue cart - hoping KAB modifications will move this rating up a few notches.
I have to state that I've heard one Sota Star Sapphire, and probably like James1969, found it to be utterly uninvolving. Same with the older Rega Planar 3, Planar 2, and the Music Hall 7.1.
Good luck, I am very interested to hear what you end up with!