Need advice on what to look for in a turntable - budget $6K to $10K

mmporsche,

Given your now higher turntable budget I have some revised recommendations:

$17,000 AMG Viella 12 (includes a great tonearm) 
$10,000+ Garrard 301/401 with Woodsong or Artisan Fidelity plinth plus tonearm

I would put either of these on a Vibraplane or Minus K base. I own a Benz Micro LPS mr and I think it is an excellent cartridge. Another cartridge consideration is the EMT line. A great match with the Aesthetix Rhea ( I also own a Rhea)

I have heard the Woodpecker and would take an AMG or the Garrard instead.

Get a turntable that isolates any vibration, frequency and oscillation from the outside world..now you have a turntable that doesn't color or tweak the sound. And then get a cartridge whose sound you like. Everybody has different ears. So use your ears as guide, not others'. If you want to experiment and have fun, or just want to spend money :), just buy another cartridge. Enjoy and all the best

The AMG table is endgame if you like a non suspended table
with a world class arm.

If you prefer suspended, I think it's equivalent would be the Oracle
Delphi MK VI 2nd Gen with either an Oracle/SME V tonearm
or a Graham arm.

In the $8,000 range you will be welcome in any deal store.Good luck...

Check out Pure Fidelity tables (from Vancouver.). I am intrigued by them.