Turntable help/recommendation with specific setup

I just bought that Luxman 10 wpc amp, and am using it with Wharfedale low efficiency speakers (87) in my small home office. Using it's MM input with my AT440ml cartridge, it sounds terrific.

Your high efficiency speakers (94.5) were born for this or any low powered amp. The efficient speakers allow you to choose a MM cartridge with lower output than I could.

Here's the currently available similar AT MM cartridge I recommend

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm740ml

IF you go MC, I chose this one

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-coil/at33ptg-2

Whatever Turntable you purchase, it's true sound potential is ONLY revealed if the arm/cartridge/alignments/tracking/anti-skate are properly done. How are your alignment skills? Do you have the basic tools for alignment? If not, we can help you get ready.

TT, I prefer Direct Drive, and Quartz Locked for instant and Constant perfect speed.

Are you considering used, or new only?

+ one on the AT 440ML Cartridge. So good I moved on to AT ART 9 Moving Coil. That's a lot more money but it's a lot more cartridge. But the AT 440ML blew me away, so I figured I would really like one of their better moving coil carts, and I do

Dan.

Pioneer's versions, 500, 1000

Keep in mind, these DJ TT's have features we never use, so the comments need to be understood in that context, i.e. makes no difference to us.

500 = $350. black; $500. in white

https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/pioneer-dj-plx-500-646914

1000 $700 black

https://www.turntablelab.com/products/pioneer-plx-1000-professional-turntable?variant=31958776578138...

attached/detachable rca cables is one difference

Make sure you can get a tonearm lift from VPI 1st. Otherwise good buy & TT
VPI Industries Aries Scout JMW9 with Ortofon Quintet Blue | Turntables | East Hampton, New York 11937 | Audiogon

This may be the best of the lot
VPI Industries HW-19 mkIV w/new Jelco 750EB and SAMA! | Turntables | Manchester, Missouri 63011 | Audiogon

Generally a good brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems 2Xperience SB Turntable - Beautiful Walnut w/ Sumiko Blue Point #2 Cart. | Turntables | Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 | Audiogon

Ive had several VPI’s and the Music Halls which are rebadged Pro-ject . Can't go wrong w/ the VPI. Scout is the newer model and got rave reviews when it came out.  Take your choice. Also look over in Us audio mart

For just starting out and at this price level buy the one you like the looks of the best. I am not kidding. Totally serious. Because this is something you really only learn by doing. I can tell you that Rega are light and fast which is great if you like that but also what nobody will tell you light tables are more susceptible to vibration and what you put them on, but you will only really appreciate this after having experienced it for yourself.

Unlike other components that are plug and play turntables are all about setup. Yes you can plug and play and maybe even get quite good results. But the difference between the same rig plopped down somewhere vs carefully set up is night and day. What this means, you can wring tremendous performance almost regardless of what you buy, if you put in the effort. Along the way you learn so much that buying the next one becomes a whole lot easier.

You are off to a good start by the way. Way too many guys ignore speaker sensitivity, and get trapped into high power. You have made some pretty good choices so far.

Most important thing now is take seriously the little things. The easy way seems to be spend as much as you can on a table, get a good cartridge, and enjoy. But all kinds of little things like Townshend Pods or Synergistic PHT make so much difference you won’t believe. Whatever table you get, add Pods and PHT and it will be way better than the same total money spent on just a table. So buy whatever you want, just keep all these other things in mind, you will be fine.