Best turntable for the buck

My dealer refuses to let me try out a new turntable with my Clearaudio cartridge in my system. I can’t say that I blame him (it would be a lot of work) but it’s a deal breaker for me. I don’t want to be stuck with a turntable the equivalent of mine. My very upgraded Rega tonally really sounds great. My problem is that It does not do the job of separating the instruments with space around them the way my digital system does. Maybe it’s too much to expect that the relatively inexpensive VPI will do that any better. As someone previously mentioned 4K is  unrealistic. So, I may have to be satisfied with my very rich and smooth sounding analog side without the soundstaging.

$4k is completely realistic. A few here (including me) have mentioned the Technics. It’ll do what you want. Also easy to set up and use. It’s maintenance free and built like a tank. It sounds amazing.

Music Direct offers a 60 day home trial. You’ve really got nothing to lose.

rvpiano-

if you could get this shipped at or under $4K, it WILL be a significant upgrade to your Rega.

As a keeper, long game is just Sota/Phoenix speed controller and swap out the unipivot for the gimbal, IF you don't care for it. Long game also includes outboard phonostage to maximize it's potential along with cart choice.

Well, I had a long talk with a Music Direct person today, and I’m not getting a turntable after all. I’m getting a Sutherland 20/20 phono preamp.  This is probably the best first step in my quest for better sound.

Gracias @holmz