The AR turntable

>>I still have a hard timing writing a check for four figures for an arm or cartridge, but can if that's the best way to go.<<

If you're unsure, always stand pat. You'll enjoy any purchase much more it you are committed to it.

If you make only a single move, replace the arm. It's a loser.

I disagree that the Rega arm is a loser. It punches well about its' weight class and responds well to various upgrades. It is not a world class arm but quite good.

My guess is that if you were to keep your TT (for comparative purposes) and purchase something else that’s current and an upgrade, and do an A/B compassion you might find out that what you originally have sounds pretty darn good and the additional investment in a TT (might look better and mentally physic better) however not sound that much ($) better. Law of diminishing returns.
You can always try the above suggestion and be the judge yourself.
After all it doesn’t really matter what all of us think, just be happy yourself and enjoy the music.

Can't get much better for the kind of money you mention.

how good is the sound quality of your records? i have a mint copy (played a couple of times) of jefferson airplane-surrealistic pillow. i played it on my aries/benz fancy/schmansy system and it sounded AWFUL. HORRIBLE. i usually can just accept reality and enjoy the music but while i didn't rip it off the platter and throw it in the garbage, i wish to death i had a thorens td-160 with my old denon cartridge. on that machine rock and pop alblums sounded okay, certainly not in need of a complete overhaul (like getting the group back together again).
sometimes i feel a bit out of place talking about records. i have some nyp records from high school (with lenny doing overtures, rhapsody in blue, etc.) on columbia 360's. those records sound INCREDIBLE on my system and i played them into dust (i thought). i can put up with the pops and scratches ALL DAY on those records. but alot of what i "thought" were decent records are junk. my beloved copy of "sweet baby james"? not good, just doesn't sound right anymore. i hear they recently re-did it in "audiophile". for $30? could i get a copy for $15 please?
anyway, if you have some very, VERY good sounding records, a better turntable is more revealing which sometimes means WAY BETTER SOUND. if you have allman brothers and lynard skynard (just an example!), keep the AR and make sure the cartridge's needle and cantilever are in excellent condition.