I'd like to hear recommendations for Turntables under $5,000

I’ve owned the Michell with SME V arm, also Bryston BLP-1, both are nice. The SME arm being the deciding factor as to the Gyro being better. All that said, the EAT C-SHARP with arm for $3k is a better table to me. The package deal with Ortofon Quintet Black for $3.5k is really nice also. Easy to set up, beautifully built, great sound. I've moved from VPI HRX to the EAT and feel no let down in performance.  

The aforementioned tables are well regarded but I'd also consider Well-Tempered, Anvil, and Pear Audio.

I had a newer example of the VPI Classic 1 for a short while. It was a big disappointment. 

If you want an easy to deal with turntable that has good reviews, look at the Technics 1200G.  People who own them generally seem very happy with them.

I must say I am very happy with my project xtension 10 turntable with superpack. $4000 and is a beauty