I need some turntable guidance

Set-up is critical.

A well set-up mid price rig will outperform a poorly set-up state-of-the-art.

That suggests buying from a dealer who is really good at set-up. They exist, but you have to search. Identify them by asking about azimuth, VTA, protractor, etc. You should make yourself familiar with the terms first, obviously.

Then, audition until you really like the sound. I like air-bearing TT and tonearms. Just my few cents’.

Everyone has their opinions/biases....go listen and play with the equipment.....you'll become attached.  If you can't live with it after awhile, consider it a mistake and move on.

Then there is ego. Which is often on display here.

Can't argue with that......

Dear @webfan : Here a good opportunity for the Lyra Etna:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9h1a8-lyra-etna-cartridges


R.

Well you have lots of choices

I run tubes (Leben pre & cj 12 monoblocks) into ML Summits.  Front end analog is SOTA Cosmos (in now for series VI upgrade).  

Other setup is a fisher 500C with modified LaScala's.  front end is JVC QLY5F.

Both tables have been fun and reliable.  Previously owned Garrard and Thorens 125 and 126 tables.

The JVC is easy to operate and a fine performer.  The SOTA is more refined and has a better overall presentation but I also am using moving coils with the SOTA and moving magnet with the JVC.  A cartridge has a really pronounced influence on sound.

The SOTA Cosmos I bought used after being floored how good a Sapphire performed in my system close to a couple of decades ago.  I brought it up to series IV spec a number of years ago (RIP - Kirk).  It was and is a wonderful deck.  Vinyl with full bodied sound and approaches the background silence of my digital rig.  I sent it in after discussing the speed control and mag platter with Donna.

I did not feel the need to HAVE to upgrade as the SOTA IV was to my ears already a fantastic performer but you know, audio is a hobby and I already know I will never sell it and figured why not.  Donna swears the mag platter is a blow away type of upgrade but I like that the folks who sell the tables have upgrade plans and stand behind their products.

SOTA makes a GREAT deck.