Good turntable needed, need recomendations.

unless you collect records..don't spend more than 3k.

You can get a Platine Verdier with arm and cart for your indicated budget (new) or buy a used one and then an arm and cart of your choice.

These TTs always generate a lot of interest and are impressive to look at (statically and operating), but not in a 'jewelry' type way, as you mention.

Plus you'll have something that is quite rare compared to many other of the top brands.

FWIW, I totally get and agree that appearance should be a factor when you are likely to spend that kind of money. It's not one of my primary considerations, but I think it is a valid consideration.

I have come to really dig the retro look and feel of all of my gear. As a result, I have to admit that I am considering appearance as a factor for my tt selection. It's kind of like building an A-frame Cabin right in the middle of a subdivision of brick ranch houses. No one is ultimately going to be happy about it. So, if you like cabins, great. If you like, brick ranches, great. Probably makes more sense, though to have some continuity to the system philosophy.

After all, it's the OP's money, he should be happy with his purchase. A dissatisfied purchaser doesn't do any good for anyone involved in this hobby. As much as many here may be unwilling to admit, the "new toy" or "jewelry" aspect of this hobby is a very real component of what gets and/or keeps people interested.

Just my humble opinion.

PMB

Definitely buy new from a local dealer - the setup help will be valuable.

Honestly, Basis is a great recommendation. Ultimately they are a very solid product for the price, very quality engineering. I'm not as familiar with the Vector arm, but I'm sure it is good. Otherwise a Tri Planar or SME 4 or 5 would do fine. The Rhea is a very good phono, you should be all set there.

Ignore the condescending posts. You can get an OK table for $3k, just like you can get an OK pair of speakers for 3k. Tables get better as you spend more just like anything else.

Getting whatever Basis you can afford is good advice. The vacuum is not necessary IMHO, so at this stage I wouldn't recommend spending a whole lot more to get it.

If appearance is a consideration, then I would agree with the recommendation of the Oracle Delphi MKV or VI. I think the issue of a vacuum platter is important, and if you can't swing the Basis, then the Sota Star or higher will give you most of what the Basis would provide. The Sota Cosmos with arm and cartridge should come in under 10k. There may be other vacuum platters around, but I dont know of any.

An edge clamp along with center weight will provide much of what a vacuum platter does, and can be used on many more tables. The damping trough used by the Townshend Rock is a real improvement not available on other tables so you might want to look at one of those. Also, magnetic platter and tonearm bearings have great promise and are available on Clearaudio and Transrotor tables. I have a Transrotor Fat Boy and it is a very good table with strong, industrial art looks. Once you get into the range you are talking about, there are no bad tables, but they do sound different. So figure out what sound qualities are important to you, and you can trim the likely candidates to something manageable.