turntable recommendations

I had a Rega Planar 3 in the mid to late 90’s and found the sound to be quite lightweight and uninvolving.   I also had a serious hum problem with table and my Sumiko Blue Point ( the nude cartridge).  I moved on to VPI and was happy for about a decade before I moved on from that.  

Stantheman2, I just had this problem with a friend. Same limit. Here is what I would do and why. You have to play chess several moves in advance.

Turntable          Sota Escape                           $1250.00
Tonearm           Origin Live Illustrious              $2100.00
Cartridge          Ortofon Cadenza Blue            $1900.00
                         Grado Ref 3                            $1500.00
                         Soundsmith Zephyr Mk 3 ES  $1500.00
                         Lyra Delos                               $2000.00 ( a tiny stretch :)

You are already noticing that I cut short on the Turntable. The Escape is a brilliant little table. It comes from a company that is a joy to deal with and they will always take their turntables back in trade so when you get that itch again you can move right up into a Sapphire which could easily be a final destination table. The Illustrious IMHO is the best value in the Origin Live line and could easily be seen as a last destination arm. It will run all of the very best cartridges without flinching and without compromising their performance. I do believe Sota will get and mount the arm for you as well as the cartridge if you like. Call 608 538 3500 and speak to Donna. As for the Cartridges, The Lyra is the one to go for but it might push you a little over. If you are heavily into rock and other high energy music I would definitely go for the Clearaudio Charisma V2 but it is also $2000 and a stretch. The Ortofon pushes it right to the limit and is an excellent all rounder. If you do this with the Lyra in a few years just swap out for the Sapphire and you have reached nirvana.

Mike 

Actually I would go to Hawthorne Audio in your area to hear the Rega P8 and see if it is an upgrade for you. Also, though not well represented in the US the Kuzma tables are really super.....but then you will have a hard time to try one.
Another option is the Vertere DG-1 which is in your budget and the distributor might allow you to audition in your system.

Look into Gold Note turntables they make many different models most come with their own arms. 

Agree with  stereo54, Same cart, plus tried a Benz and a Dyna 5x. Some tweaks. Nothing could make it pop.