Dense, powerful sounding TT, decent top $3500 max?

Avid Volvere. About 1k more than your budget but works very well with SME (bolts directly to the subchasis, power bass and dynamics of a non suspended table; depth, and detail of a suspended table). Very easy to set-up and extremely well made. You would not be disappointed.

Thanks, fellows, for your thoughts so far. Jtimothya: I've checked out info before on the Teres 255, and was quite favorably impressed by what I read. I also found interesting your comparative comment regarding the Sota Sapphire, which I owned too a number of years back, and which, to my ears at least, always sounded more stereotypically "solid state". I will take another good look at the Teres 255. And Jaybo: Your point is well taken also. That same thought has crossed my mind before. Otherwise, I've noted one other good possibility---the Serac by Galibier, which is expected soon to make its market debut. Has anyone out there heard more about this unit ?

How about an idler-wheel drive especially for classical.Check out Loricraft Audio in England.http://www.garrard501.com/

Forgot to mention...I have the Supratek Cortese preamp and am currently with the low output Grado Sonata cartridge, but will move to either one of the Benz or Shelter cartridges, and not the most expensive model.

Lots of options at your price level and easy to blow away the Mk.III.

The Teres recommendation is solid.