Upgrade My Turntable - How Much Do I Need to Spend?

I've been playing in this sandbox since the early '70s. I bought an SP-10 new back in 1973. After restoration (by the late Bill Thalmann, RIP), it runs in my vintage system, replinthed with a Kuzma 9 " arm.

I have a bigger system that started in 2006 with a Kuzma Reference and Triplanar. I eventually upgraded to the XL ( a beoytch to isolate given its weight) and Airline. 

To me, the answer to the question involves the whole analog front end- turntable, arm, phono stage, cartridge, isolation (where necessary). You don't need to do multiple arms, though that gives you more flexibility, for mono, for low compliance cartridges, etc. 

I understand budgets but don't advocate brands. There are some good tables out there- I'd buy one that enables a separately purchasable arm. I can mess with the tube rectifier in the power supply to my phono stage and change the overall voicing of the system. 

So how to pick what's right for you?

Auditioning in dealerships is limited. Home trial is best, but not likely given cartridge damage. 

I've had several good tables over the years- all of it makes a difference. Vinyl is my main and largely definitive source. It takes work to get there. Part of it may depend on geographic location in terms of what is available to you. 

Elliot, You wrote, "Playing a Stereo Cartridge even if your Preamp has a Mono Mode: the cartridge will pick up any vertical movement: scuffs, surface dust, dirt in the grooves, very slight warps: then the preamp’s Mono Mode will DOUBLE the unwanted noise in both speakers." 
This is not the first time you have made that claim.  Can you provide some supporting reference?  What happens in a typical phonopreamp in mono mode is much like what happens in most modern mono cartridges, which are bridged internally to produce a mono signal.  So too are phonoline preamps when in mono mode; R and L channels are bridged.  This does not "double" noise produced by vertical motion of the stylus/cantilever, so far as I know.  I'm willing to learn if you provide a reference.  It also goes against all my direct experience using mono mode in the preamp; the treble is noticeably cleaner compared to playing a mono LP in stereo mode.  That in fact is the major benefit as I perceive it.

You have some good choices in mind.
i've owned the  Rega P6 and Riga turntables are really good. I have a clear audio DC performance and clear Audio makes tables in your price range that are excellent. As Others have said, I would encourage you to invest sufficient money on a separate phono stage to complement your system. In fact, I might concentrate on that first, because once that is covered, the phono stage will pretty much be with you forever as long as you like it. In my experience, the phono stage in your Mac set a pretty low ceiling on the rest of your system. Again, there are going to be lots of choices in any given price range that are good and you're going to get recommendations that match somebody else's personal preference. Personally, I think Sim Audio has a good line at various price points and Rega has some good products as well. Good luck.

How big of a step up do I need to make with my turntable to take full advantage of the other components in my system?

Congrats to your ’find’. I know exactly what you mean 😊

I reckon that you already got some valuable advice from other members.

I for myself can imagine that with the following minimum amounts you should reach your goal.

Turntable 2.5k

Cartridge 1.5k

Phono preamp 1.5k

Of course, sky is the limit.

Regarding a ’simple’ setup: You will need to invest some time to mount the cartridge correctly. No big deal. Just do it relaxed and follow the basic rules. No hush hush.

As elliottbnewcomjr has mentioned this topic in his comment. Otherwise, you will not be able to profit from the hardware update as you really could.

Enjoy the (hopefully) upcoming journey.

@OP. Issues with turntable setup/maintenance are frequently overstated. Non- suspended subchassis turntables need close to zero maintenance apart from an occasional belt change and, possibly, a drop or two of bearing lubricant. Similarly, a cartridge that is properly installed needs nothing until its stylus is worn out.

Taking account of your budget, a Rega Planar 8 would be a good starting point. If you up your budget to above your $4k suggested limit, the Technics SL1200G is excellent and totally bulletproof in terms of reliability - direct drive so effectively maintenance free.

If you want a suspended deck, the Michell Gyrodec a good relatively fuss free choice.