Do I buy an upscale TT?

The TT should not have a sound. The arm, cartridge and phono stage are what is important, assuming a distortion free TT, which it sounds like idler drives are not (never had one) since they seem to have a "sound".

They should be well matched in terms of cartridge weight and phono stage compatibility with the cartridge, and of course the arm fitting the turntable. 

Rega arms are the best bang for the buck, and for ease of implementation of course match perfectly to their tables. If you want to go above a $2200 arm (Rega's top of the line RB3000), have at it. Personally, I went with the RB880 arm for half the price of that, and ended up buying the TT it comes on (P8) after the fact. Kept the same cartridge. Arm made a much bigger difference than the table (had a Rega P5 before the P8).

I’m of the belief that my Marantz TT15S1, with ACE Benz MC cartridge would smoke your Garrard. And between the table $1400 as new, cartridge $650 new, and phono pre $450 used, I’ve less than $2300 invested. Well, it’s simply a thought. 

@sokogear The ideal, is for the TT to not have a sound, equally attractive is for the TT to have a non-eccentric rotation, with the non-eccentric rotation being available a extremely accurate speed control will be a much desired addition.

It is extremely difficult to have a TT that does not produce something as a result of the TT's function that is not a detriment, that does not impart mechanical noise, oscillation or Wow into a replay, either of which are measurable and in frequent cases audible to the end user.

There are ways to reduce these detrimental influences, but these cost money if being resolved from a commercial front and can be met with commissioning a skilled individual with a familiarity with a design, to take the work required on. The average individual can learn to service a mechanical part, but to get to a place of noticeable betterment machining of parts can be required.    

@coltrane1 nice setup. As to smoking a 301/401 well probably not. I've hear both in a few setups but YMMV :)

Btw hello fellow Washingtonian...

@solypsa, Greetings! I live in Lake Stevens, a quiet country community of about 15,000 people, 45 minutes north of Seattle. Life is very good! Retired and loving every day I wake up! :)