TT+tonearm under $5k

Buying used is generally best bang for buck, Buying a Serac may negate that. Buying a used TT or tonearm involves substantially less 'relative risk' than buying a used cartridge because the wear factors are different.

I haven't heard the Galibier or the Raven, but I will mention the Acoustic Solid Wood (large platter variant of the AS wood tables). Last time I looked it was about $2500, including electonic motor controller, an RB300 and a HOMC from Ortofon. The quality of this mass loaded table is way out of line with its price. The mounting system limits you to Rega and variants, unless you want to get deeply involved with set-up. Which brings me to my point:

This table is very easy to set up. If you use some of your budget for a Rega cart (admittedly- not everyone's cup of tea) the 3 point mount removes one more variable from the equation. The trade with this table is limited upgradeability/flexibility for easy, predictable, high quality sound.

I currently run an Oracle V, Graham 2.2/Nightingale and the Acoustic Solid through my Aesthetix Rhea. Therefore, side by side comparisons are easy. The "dryish" sound of the Rega Exact cart is easily the biggest distinction between the current alternatives - but the AS sounds awfully good, even next to the much pricier alternative.

If you're a "set it/forget" type (in analogue?) the AS is IMHO a great value.

Good Luck.

Marty

Buying used, mint condition turntables is very easy on Audiogon, and the good ones do ship perfectly. You can also drive to pick one up yourself as mentioned above.

My suggestion -(and also exactly what I did)

Buy a mint Nottingham Spacedeck with the newer AceSpace arm for about 2K. (I drove about 3 hours and picked mine up myself.)

Then get a brand new Zyx Airy 3 from Mehran at Sorasound.

For less than 4500. you will have a beautiful combo with absolutely superb sound. IMHO you would need to pay near 10K to do better.

Good luck on your purchase.