turntable recommendations

I have owned a VPI HW with a Sumiko MMT arm since 1985. Bought as an HW MK II, with a Benz Micro.

About ten years ago, I considered an upgrade to the VPI Classic. I noticed a change in the design philosophy so I called Harry to ask wassup?

We had a moderately long discussion. The upshot of it was that Harry persuaded me to forgo the Classic, to patiently look for and buy the parts to upgrade from the HW MK II to the HW MK IV, bring it into him and he’d put it together. He said it would be at least as good as the Classic, and that I would save myself $4,000.

So who am I to argue with Harry? Kudos for him: breathtakingly honest! And that’s what I did.

So much for the “new is better” mantra. If it ain’t broke...

The cartridge is now a Koetsu Onyx.

I went through a very similar situation last year. I had a P5 and got to talking with someone who took over the store of the guy who sold me the P5. Starting from a conversation of rewiring the arm from the P5 (RB 700) to upgrading the arm (which I did to the RB880) to finally giving in to the P8 which includes the RB 880. I can tell you this: The arm made WAY more of a difference than the table, even though the P8 looks cool and has a better platter, etc. I don't necessarily regret paying much more for a much lesser improvement, but I think if you want to be as value conscious as possible, spend that extra $1500 on a good phono stage - you didn't mention what you are using. I did that after the turntable upgrade and was once again blown away with the improvement. I think if the table is spinning at the right speed (you have a PSU)  and is properly isolated, the table is less important than the arm or the cartridge/phono stage, and is typically much more expensive.

That's what we're all after - NOTICEABLE improvement. Beware of the law of diminishing returns, and have an end goal in mind, or at least an intermediary goal in mind.

Technics 1200G
I love mine and have various headshells/cartridge combos to play with.

A removable headshell makes sampling carts easy and fun. Superlight wood headshells with high compliance carts...middleweight magnesium headshells with medium or low compliance carts...endless possibilities.

The 1200G is very stable, quiet/transparent and heavy. It looks better/more impressive in person.
The gimbal/tonearm is supremely light and airy to handle.
It is all business...no joke.

Pair it with an outstanding phono stage and you will be set for a long time. 

I recommend: VPI Prime Signature. 
If you get the chance to audition it, its worth the effort.

Mando..

@samzx12 I also vote for VPI Classic 3 with Manley Chinook SE MK II. that is my set up and couldn't be happier. @jss49 I stand corrected. You are correct the Audio Mirror Troubadour is my DAC :-) But hey I am down in the Caribbean trying to forget Covid-19 this week, so might have had a little too much of the rum!