Advice Needed on Choosing a Turntable

Greetings....
I have a budget of about $3600 to $3800 for my main listening system's turntable. I've considered both a VPI...although at this price point I can't get the model I'd like... and a Thorens 125 from Vinyl Nirvana. I've also played with the idea of a Gem Dandy, but currently it's a distant third.

I guess my main question is, how does the Thorens stack up against (for the same amount of $ spent) to the VPI. I have to admit that as of late I'm really partial to vintage gear and like the idea of having the Thorens in the system, but at that price I don't want to sacrifice sound quality just for nostalgia.

Feel free to offer advice on these players or any others at this price point you feel offers great bang for the buck.

Thanks in advance for the helpful input...