Turntable

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.

Anyway why spend $3K? The new Technics for $1800 is excellent! Direct drive is better than belt drive. Money saved can go to a new mc cartridge.

"Direct drive is better than belt drive."

In the grand scheme of things, that's simply not true.