Turntable advice

Rega has a great reputation for a reason. I recommend buying a Rega from a dealer. Have him set it up. My dealer/friend sells many and attests to their incredible value and simplicity. 
 

While the tools for adjustment are not expensive, adjustment is a very fine work and best that final adjustments done by ear… an acquired skill. I am fairly impatient and therefore never adjust my turntable. On the other hand once set up no adjustment is required until upgrade or stylist replacement. 
 

So, as a beginner, I would highly recommend a Rega… great value for the money. Just get with cartridge and no setup should be required… and better yet buy from a local dealer… over time if you get into it he can guide you and take yours as a trade in.

There was another similar thread here recently that the OP may find interesting.

To spend $5K for your list of needs, Pro-Ject hits the sweet spot with the X8 EVO, a Wellfleet cart, HeadBox and PhonoBox DS3. I would add a pair of Sennheiser HD660S and a Cardas Parsec cable. Other carts to consider…Ortofon 2M Bronze, Dynavector 10X5 Low. 

right.....VPI almost demands "fiddling around".   With that said...you really only have to do it twice (the second time to assure the first time was correct).  Perfect VTA, and perfect side thrust compensation is only sharpening the edge but in many cases make little difference.  I have a VPI and like it, but I wonder if you'd actually just like to play a record and smile.

Agree on the 1200GR out of this group for your use case. The removable headshell will allow you to keep multiple cartridges ready to swap in easily in a few minutes.

Adjustable feet including springs will make it easier to level and isolate using furniture as a base. 

The motors are legendary and long lasting. 

Setup is easy and service/parts will be more stable/available than other boutique options. 

If it were my money I'd talk to Sota about certified trade-ins or buy a used one and have it shipped directly to Sota for evaluation/service/any wanted upgrades. Full suspension (neutralizing wood floor issue), vacuum hold down and compatibility with most arms give you flexibility now and in the future. Cheers,

Spencer