Going to replace my Fluance rt85

@laecp123 

After the early upgrades, I decided that 1/3 TT, 1//3 phono stage, 1/3 cart is the ratio I like.  All three equal, that way I don't feel any one part is a bottleneck, and each is working to get the most out of the other.

I'm still working on the cart part, but at least I know I'm getting the most out of the cart I got.

Consider VPI Scouts as well.  I myself got the Scout 1 used from the original in owner and was well cared for… I feel the JMW 9” tonearm and the table is quite good and is within your price range. Also VPI customer support is very good and made in the USA.   If you hunt well you might even have $$ left over for an MC.Cart.  

I agree with others that an alternative strategy is to upgrade the phono stage before or after. I found that phono stages to be as important as the tt + cartrige) and are worthy of the same investment level. 

Hello, +1 on the phono stage. I use the Hegel v10. It retails for $1650 but used you can get them for under $1k. Second I might go with a Hana SL cartridge which is about $750. I’m not saying the Fluance RT85 is the best but it is a good start. I believe with these two upgrades you will be amazed. After that save up for a better tt you can move your cart and phono stage to it. If you can splurge a little and might get the Hegel for $800 get the Hana ML for $1200. That is as high of a cart I would go on that table. I own the Hegel v10 on a $8000 tt. I do have a Hana Umami Red which is almost $4000. But the Hegel keeps up with it and the turntable no problem. 

Another happy VPI owner, I have the Aries Scout with JMW 9"" arm. You can pick up a great deal used that's how I got mine. I would also say start with the phono pre and cartridge.