Rega RP8 and alternatives in $3000-4000 range

Thanks for your advice, everyone.
Yes, best to take time and try out
And yes, I have a feeling that the rp8 is great value for the money. The fact that alternatives such as vpi classic signature on black Friday sale cost 5k says something. That's 2k more and that's a lot for me

Try a Well Tempered Lab Amadeus Mk.II. Easily beat any Rega I ever owned. IMHO.

+ 1 on Mr_m's advice. Or the Amadeus GTA would keep you under 4K. My GTA was less than 4K. The EAT certainly looks sharp.... Would like to hear it.

VPI Prime. Buy it and don't look back. Second choice is a VPI Classic.

IMO, I haven't heard any serious tables in the same price ranges as the various Rega tables that doesn't better the Regas. Just my opinion. YMMV.

I compared my old Rega P3 to the Amadeus MKII at my dealer's and I thought the Amadeus sounded much better (it should considering prices). Same cart, system, etc.
But there was also a Rega RP10 and I listened to that in the same system. Different cart on the RP10 but much more expensive than my cart, and I still thought the Amadeus sounded better.

I'd look at Amadeus and VPI Prime in that price range for sure. The Prime looks like a very nice table, and it's more user friendly than the Amadeus. Costs a little more, though.