Turntable

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.

@sheridanmartinj @mijostyn is an extremist (in a good way 😉) and obviously didn't see your $3K budget. But he does raise a good point that the Eclipse/Condor can be added later when budget fits for that. 

As a Nova VI owner, I almost jumped on a series V, but learned from Donna at Sota that the new VI series improvements are NOT all available on the V and older tables. That led me to wait for a new VI, and live with a lower cost arm for now. I want to leverage Sota's long term upgradeability and with a VI, you should be compatible with any improvements likely to come in the next decade or so. 

If there are any refurb VI series available that would be smart. Another option is to ask her if there are any B-grade plinths available. I saved ~$200 getting a walnut plinth with a tiny imperfection that you can barely see if looking for it! Cheers,

Spencer
My advice: Call Donna! Cheers,

Spencer