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Turntable/arm/catridge choices have me spinning

I'm looking to upgrade into audiophile territory with my analog setup - currently a Music Hall MMF 5.1 with Pro-ject arm and Ortofon Magic Blue cartridge into a Belles Soloist phono stage; the fun begins thereafter with a Bel Canto Pre-1 (will upgrade to Pre2P when I find a good deal) preamp and a Vac Phi 200 amp powering Magico S1's - digital input is Luxman DA-06 DAC fed by an Auralic Mini streamer with an internal SSD and from Tidal. Back to analog: 
I live in an apartment block so have a high amount of structural vibration and footfall issues due to wooden flooring, etc so I was looking for suspended designs (is that right?). Sound presentation-wise, I prefer performance that has lots of musicality, tonal accuracy, air, soundstage; don’t need the last word in resolution and detail. In terms of looks, I need a modern design/look, not the traditional box/wood plinth look to go with the rest of the living room where this will sit. I would definitely consider a good condition used setup as well.
So now to the question: with a upgrade budget between $5k-$10k , what TT, Arm and Cartridge would you recommend I take a serious look at.
Hoping for some helpful advice.
Thanks in advance.    

comedus76
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
Check out a SOTA Millennia tt for a modern looking piece with sonic qualities that hit your buttons (I run a SOTA Cosmos, which is pretty comparable, but has the stodgy old wood plinth).  Pair that with a Graham Phantom tonearm and you have a great combo.  Bought used, it will fit into your budget range.
effischer
560 posts
 
+1 for Sota & Graham - they have about the best isolation out there.  At your budget, you could consider the Sapphire (it does have a basic wood plinth, but I think it works well with my Scandinavian modern furniture - very clean design IMO) with the Phantom and a DV XX2 cartridge, all new.  That's the rig I run and I find new stuff in music I know really well every time I run it.

Good luck & happy listening!

jperry
2,448 posts
 
Given your environment and budget you should consider purchasing a Vibraplane for your turntable system. Sounds of Silence sells them and a great isolation platform make a difference, even under a SOTA, Basis or other turntable with excellent isolation. No affiliation with Sounds of Silence, just a happy customer. Another alternative to the Vibraplane in the same price range is a Minus K platform.

A used Basis turntable and arm would fit into the high end of your budget including a Vibraplane under it, a used Oracle would also fit in your budget, and it also has great Isolation. Both Basis and Oracle based on your description would comply with the appearance you want.

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