Want to Repalce my Acoustic Research ES1

If you really want to improve your analog front end, I'd do away with the AR altogether. There are mods available (Merrill), but IMHO they don't compensate enough for an over-wiggly suspension and low-tolerance bearing. Your choices are myriad and limited by your taste and budget. Eurokit, Rega, Project, Linn, VPI, Basis.....the list goes on :-). First decide on how much you want to spend and what appeals to you. Sorry, lack of info precludes specific recommendations.

Call Hart Huschens at audio advancements and ask about the EuroKit 'tables. I don't think you can do better at anywhere near the money; from less than $1000 to ~$3000.