Looking for more advice on purchasing a new turntable.


So I’m looking for Opinions/Advice from people who have high-end turntables and the experiences with. 
First, I’ll start with my system. It consists of a Prima Luna preamp and two Prima Luna amplifiers along with the prima Luna phone stage with a pair of magnepans 1.7 My budget for the table is $5000 new or used, but for that price I would want it to come with a really good cartridge otherwise, 4000 for the table and 1000 for the cartridge. 
Thanks I look forward to your recommendations. 

thedoc2004

The problem with turntables is that they're very hard to compare. If you go in one store they'll have a certain cartridge mounted and be going through a certain phono preamp. They're not going to change that setup for you, even if they did carry another phono preamp, which most don't . So, you're almost stuck with reviews and buying online.

I've owned a 90's model Rega Planar 3, and a ten-thousand dollar Thorens. (I forgot the name.) Then I bought a used VPI TNT-3. The Thorens had more bloom and the Rega was faster. But I thought the VPI was the truest sounding of the lot. 

I sold the TNT-3 because I was having trouble with the unipivot tonearm. The arm was fine, but I'm getting older and shakier and mounting a nude cartridge was more than I could take. I basically bought the same turntable with some updates, the VPI Prime Signature. The basic turntable comes in many flavors and prices. I'm sure the less expensive ones would sound fine.

Even if I had the time and energy to go around listening to turntables at various dealers, they just don't carry that big a selection. So, I trust VPI to have a solid, true sound, and if I needed a new one it would be another VPI.

I also really like the company. It's family owned in the USA, and if you call with a problem you might likely end up talking to the owner who's a really nice, helpful guy. And they don't ask if you bought the turntable used or new. They just help you.

Started with a Rega and it had 60 cycle hum with cartridge near middle of record due to magnetics of motor. I moved to VPI PRIME AND VPI SPEED CONTROLLER . Ive had workmanship issues on both. VPI needs dual pivot and new lifter speed controller hum and indicator lights. I’m looking maybe Japanese turntable or Dr Feickert 

+1 for that VPI HRX listed for sale on AG. I’m guessing it could be purchased for $5k or less!

These Threads Types regularly bring the Vintage Option to the Forefront, but not always the entirety of the options.

The Links will show an alternative for a Idler Drive TT and DD TT's which will prove to be very difficult to surpass with TT's bought at the $4K to $5K price range.

I would also strongly suggest a Vintage DD TT, proven to be in Good Order, when mounted in a particular design for a Plinth, will sit comfortably in the Company of TT's at the $20K+ purchase range in today's monies.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa7jbe-ptp-audio-solid-12-9-with-tonearms-turntables?refsource=hifishark

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/1158791001/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/o1159224626/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/v1158419208/

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/d1159588167/

    

I just acquired my first direct drive TT after 35 years participation in our great hobby. Technics 1200 GR2. I am in love with the look, feel, ability to change cartridges easily, great system for setting VTA, cartridge alignment and VTF. It sounds great too. Everytime I turn this on it brings a big smile and now, when I want to listen to original release mono recordings, one minute switch to use my mono cartridge. The rig was $2300 and change and worth every penny.