which turntable for the future?

design is very important to me also.

the airforce is an ugly beast IMO.

first, I would go for an improved cartridge on your existing beautiful TT

any cartridge you buy can be used on any future table you buy.

your phono pre is extremely versatile, ready for any MC you might try. manufacturer will help you make the correct settings.

For my 1st MC Cartridge I chose AT33PTG/II.

Very wide separation, and very tight channel balance gives excellent imaging. I just bought another. I like it so much, I guessed my stylus should be worn, I sent it to AT, they agreed, just ready for discard. AT has a program, clean return for $40., or they sold me a new one for $262, less than half price.

I suspect you will fall in love with your existing TT again right away.

Bergmann, or maybe a Holbo Mk2, I have the original Holbo, and it is fantastic. Plays well above its price point, but of course doesn’t play into the snob appeal, so probably gets overlooked in the grand scheme of things. 

@renatocomes  I also had a Michell Gyrodec with SME V which I thoroughly enjoyed until the upgrade itch started. I then moved on to an Avid Acutus and installed the SME V arm on that. I must say that was a significant improvement all round and I happily used that system for a few years. 

However, I then moved on to a TechDas Airforce V and again moved my SME V arm. This combination is absolutely thrilling in my system and is the way I'd go in your situation. The sound is dynamic and totally involving whilst also somehow managing to reduce surface noise from records. Everyone who has heard this turntable in my system has enjoyed it. 

The looks are love/hate. Personally I love it and the smaller footprint has been a bonus with shelf space. If you can afford a Techdas Airforce V Premium then I doubt you'll be disappointed.

If I understand correctly, you're looking for something that outperforms the Michell and will "hold you over" til you get a Tech Das. 

Such problems!

First, I love the Gyro w/SME V. But it seems that you're determined to try something else. Okay. As you've seen in this thread, there are very many options and most of them excellent!

Of the many rigs I've heard, I can recommend SME and Brinkmann. The choice between the two may come down to appearance. I believe that a used 'table from a reputable dealer is a safe bet.

What do I own? An old VPI! I previously had an SME, but...finances change, and not always for the better. 

Best of luck!

For similar money as the AF V the Basis Inspiration with Vacuum is a much better turntable and it is extremely good looking. The Kuzma Stabi M is IMHO the best Kuzma and you can put any arm on it. The Schroder LT comes to mind. It is massive but not the fanciest looking table. The Avid Acutus was mentioned and it is a fine turntable. The Stabi M has the advantage of having a really nice dust cover. It has a good reflex clamping system. I prefer vacuum has it is better at flattening the record. With a good vacuum table the pitch consistency is just wonderful. You really get the feeling you are listening to a digital file but it sounds like a record.