Recommendations for a modestly priced analog system

Hello chungjh! I am running a VPI HW-19 MKIII with Jelco TK-950S (recently purchased, used to have 550S and 750) and Hana SL. As a gift to myself, I am looking at the Benz Micro Glider SM. (User kron sells it among other cartridges at a discount.) My phono stage is a C-J EF-1 with premium capacitor upgrades in a few places. I am quite pleased with my set-up which in Canadian dollars should be around 4.5 - 5K at present used prices. I believe that's very good price-performance wise. 

My suggestion would be a used, even vintage, turntable as long as it is sound mechanically and functionally. Some turntables, as long as they're taken care of are indestructible. The VPI HW-19 MKIV is a good contender I think, based on my experience of the MKIII. And of course you've got some other suggestions already.

But buy a new tonearm for peace of mind; unless you know the person you're buying from, it is a risk to just take people's words on precision mechanical instruments like tonearms. If you should buy a used tonearm, have someone take a look into the unit. Same with cartridges. 

And I agree that you'll have money to spare to get accessories, records and a good cleaning system. 

Happy hunting! 

We just purchased a Parasound Hilo Hint 6. It lists for about 3K but you might be able to get it for about $2500 or $2000. Has a built in pre-amp. Not too many bells and whistles. We do basic 2 channel analog.  My dealer who just closed sold it to me  for $2100.  Speakers you will need to listen but Kilpsch makes nice speakers under $1000 a pair.  If you can find an AR turntable used or contact Vinyl Nirvana he sells used vintage very fair price.  On CD players not sure who makes a good one that will not be a fortune or a receiver if you listen to FM. Be careful of used equipment as sometimes it does not work.  The guy below can provide some guidance and sells vintage too.
 WILLIAM THALMANN
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, INC.
5418 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22151
703-764-7005 x106
HOURS: 11-6 Mon-Fri
bill@musictechnology.com

good luck

You can probably use a Soundsmith moving iron cartridge with your built in phono pre, I'm using one myself and find them fantastic.

There are literally 100’s of great options you can choose from and the advice you are getting is all relevant and useful.  I’ll comment on the ops statement ......‘As I’m getting older, I need a no fuss, durable and low maintenance system.

I’m also getting older and just did an upgrade to my system that I’m very happy with. Lately, I’ve been buying more and more 45rpm records and my last fully manual turntable was a pain everytime I went back and forth between 33’s and 45’s, manually changing the belt on the spindle. So, I just bought new the Thorens TD 1601 semi automatic turntable, along with a Soundsmith cartridge.  Plays great, sounds wonderful and best of all is no fuss, durable low maintenance.  And, of course fits perfectly within your budget.

I have both the EAR 834 and Cary SLP98P with F1 mod. The Cary with the mod and an outboard step up transformer sounds about equal to the EAR. Both great. You can get a Cary upgrade that adds a step up, and Parts upgrades for about $750. A great way to go IMO.
I also modded a Cary SLP-05, and it is excellent - but expensive.
For a TT, try Salon1 in FL. I got a Pro-ject Signature 10 there for $4500. Add a Hana ML or ART-AT9, and you’ll have a great analog section for your budget.