New turntable

VPI at your. preferred price range

That is a decent budget, Is that to upgrade everything? You should check out Acoustic Signature. Their DoubleX might be to your liking and budget. I have the TripleX with the Umami Red. I had the Hana SL before and just loved it but the Red is just from another world in terms of dynamics and imaging. Good luck!

VPI is always a good choice IMO. Then I also have to throw Origin Live in as well. Their arms play well beyond their price range. I suspect the TT's do also. They used to be awkward to set up but I believe they have changed that now. VPI Prime 21 was advertised as an  easy setup. The 21+ offers cart and Nordost tonearm cable.

That is my budget for table and arm. Vpi has a couple dealers in my area, was planning on visiting. The acoustic signature looks really interesting. Thanks for the ideas.

I agree, VPI 21. Owned an Aries for 20 years. This should give you just enough for a good cartridge. I really can’t say too much good about them. If I had more space for a second turntable I would have one. For a cartridge I would research the VPI. I had a Van den Hull… frog, great cartridge if that is the sound you are going for.

I now own a Linn LP12, a level up. They are no longer difficult to set up… but still for people like me, and sounds like you… I don’t want to touch them. I would break it. Also, my dealer is a master certified Linn technician and actually likes to set up turntables.