Take a hard look at SOTA. Their Sapphire is one of the best out there at any price and is right on your budget target. Very high mass platter, a suspension that is envious and can use just about any tonearm you want. Rock-steady on RPM once you have it set up and absolutely fiddle-free. Entirely made in the US, they have been around since the late 70s and will still service, upgrade and support everything they've ever produced. Check the forums on them here and surf past their website. You won't regret it. I've had mine since 1984 and would put it up against rigs costing far more.
I'm a real fan of Dynavector cartridges, especially the 17D3 and XX2 Mk II. Both of those are a bit higher than your target. They are tight, fast and really reproduce an excellent soundstage. Both can really slam the bass when properly set up and will rock your world with properly recorded guitars and horns. Absolutely linear response. Carts are a very personal thing, though. I'm a real fan of progressive rock and fusion jazz, and DV really works for me because they are so fast. You'll want to listen around if you can, because different combinations of cart, arm and speakers can yield widely differing results.
Arms: In your case, you might want to look at SME or Ortofon. I suspect you would find the Tri Planar (an excellent arm, BTW) a bit too fussy, but it depends on how you feel about VTA-on-the-fly. I consider it indispensable, but others disagree. Ultimately, it's your money so you have to decide what's right for you. I'm given to understand that SME is discontinuing sales of their arms independent of their turntables, so if that's the way you want to go, don't delay too long.
All of the above brands can be purchased new at your stated budget or very close to it. Depending on where you live, a bricks-and-mortar operation might be willing to cut you a deal, depending.
Regardless, you have a sufficient budget to get into a really satisfying set-up. Go forth and enjoy the search. Let us know which way you end up going and happy listening!
I'm a real fan of Dynavector cartridges, especially the 17D3 and XX2 Mk II. Both of those are a bit higher than your target. They are tight, fast and really reproduce an excellent soundstage. Both can really slam the bass when properly set up and will rock your world with properly recorded guitars and horns. Absolutely linear response. Carts are a very personal thing, though. I'm a real fan of progressive rock and fusion jazz, and DV really works for me because they are so fast. You'll want to listen around if you can, because different combinations of cart, arm and speakers can yield widely differing results.
Arms: In your case, you might want to look at SME or Ortofon. I suspect you would find the Tri Planar (an excellent arm, BTW) a bit too fussy, but it depends on how you feel about VTA-on-the-fly. I consider it indispensable, but others disagree. Ultimately, it's your money so you have to decide what's right for you. I'm given to understand that SME is discontinuing sales of their arms independent of their turntables, so if that's the way you want to go, don't delay too long.
All of the above brands can be purchased new at your stated budget or very close to it. Depending on where you live, a bricks-and-mortar operation might be willing to cut you a deal, depending.
Regardless, you have a sufficient budget to get into a really satisfying set-up. Go forth and enjoy the search. Let us know which way you end up going and happy listening!