Brand new VPI Prime 21 or used Clearaudio Innovation compact

At that price point I'd also add the Feikert Volare to your list. Purchased with the equipped Origin Live Silver tonearm you will have funds remaining for a very nice cartridge with enough output for the PH 7. I've heard the Volare with this arm and it was impressive--well designed, built and handsome. 

Will agree uni pivot designs are odd. I have a vpi classic 3. It’s awesome. If you like tinkering, a high end tt is great. The on the fly vta is genius. You have a nice system. Have fun on your analog journey. 

This is a timely thread as I just decided to leave my LP-12 after a long love affair and move over to a Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Universal 9 Arm/Kiseki Purple Heart, although the cartridge I heard the table with was the Stradavari.  I've auditioned a lot of rigs and this is the first time I played my system and did not like it anymore!

 I have a similar system, ARC Ref 5se, Ref Phono 2se and Ref 110 amp. My table is a ClearAudio Innovation compact wood with Universal Arm and Benz Zebra Wood cart. I love the Innovation compact. It is not fiddly like some tables and the Universal is a great arm. The platter floats on a magnetic bearing that helps isolate it from vibration.

I bought my table used as a newbie and have never felt the urge to upgrade. Though I have thought about adding a second arm. I did have a Fosgate Signature phono preamp when I started and later upgraded to the Ref Phono 2se. The Ref 5se and Ref Phono 2se is a killer combo.

The Innovation is a total eye catcher and real conversation starter at my home, for sure. Some girls I’ve had over really dig it and genuinely want to know more unprompted (it's good to avoid being the comic-book guy and bludgeoning them with unsolicited hobby minutiae). Then you can tell them about the "bullet proof" panzerholz wood, the magnetic bearing, etc. There’s a lot more to glaze their eyes over with than "uh, I guess the plinth is MDF wrapped in vinyl" ;)