Turntable

SOTA makes a good turntable. You will also get a significant performance improvement if you shed the Rega tonearm, although you may want to move it to the SOTA, and then upgrade the tonearm later

Go for the new Sapphire and skip the Eclipse package. Put the money into a better arm. You are a little limited with arms. All the Regas and Origin Live arms fit. The Kuzma 4 Point 9 fits and the Schroder CB fits. Some people say they have mounted Reed arms but I question that due to the weight of the VTA Tower. The Schroder CB was made for Sota turntables. I have one on a Cosmos. 

Mijo, I am surprised you advise skipping the Eclipse upgrade. Is that because of the added cost? IMO, the Eclipse mod is so key to the best performance of a SOTA TT that I’d advise the OP to get it done and wait on the new tonearm purchase until finances permit. Also , while all the tonearms you name are excellent choices, do any fall within the budgetary limits?

I would second the recommendation of @noromance and get a "restored" Sapphire.  I did that recently and couldn't be happier.  You'll be right at your budget for just the table, but you already have an arm and cart and can upgrade later.  Mine came with the Eclipse motor and Condor PSU (built in, not external) and the mag-lev bearing.  Call Sota and talk to Donna.

No need to change the Rega arm right away! Just add a better mc cartridge. You can do that before purchasing a Sota TT. A Hana EL is an easy recommendation. That on your Ariston would be a significant upgrade.