Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.

Another VPI fan here. I always buy gently used as you'll get much more the dollar.

Soundsmith makes wonderful cartridges again I purchased gently used. You can usually buy for about half the price of new and his rebuild prices are extremely low. 

I find modern digital streaming and server files equal too or better than vinyl, without the required ritual of removing from storage and cleaning vinyl prior to playing to achieve good SQ and preserve the record.  In addition, attention to setup TT,TA, and Cartridge setup is critical for vinyl playback. IMHO why hassle unless an offering is not streaming, in your library, or you are just feeling nostalgic.  However, at your price point going preowned will get you much better SQ.  Some favs of mine are VPI, Linn, and SME.   Linn requires much attention to detail.  SME will be hard to find, but not impossible, at your budget.  VPI provides very easy setup and good SQ at their price point.   There is a VPI HRX with VPI JM 12.5  TA and Benz Micro cartridge for just over $5k on this site (no vested interest) and a Linn LP 12 with Dynevector 

Sorry hit send by accident.  With Dynavector cartridge for $3.6 k.  

Sota

MoFi Ultradeck w optional Master Tracker cartridge