"the better table and arm will make even cheaper cartridges sound much better." Here, here.
Some of my suggestions for new. You can do better used, but options vary.
VPI Classic and Sumiko would be a nice combination - a little over $3,000.
VPI Scout II with new JWM-9T arm would be a nice deck, same cartridge as above.
Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with Clearaudio Maestro Wood cartridge - or Clearaudio Emotion SE Turntable w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and same cartridge - or Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and Grado Prestige Gold or equivalent cartridge (see Stanwal's quote above)
Some of my suggestions for new. You can do better used, but options vary.
VPI Classic and Sumiko would be a nice combination - a little over $3,000.
VPI Scout II with new JWM-9T arm would be a nice deck, same cartridge as above.
Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with Clearaudio Maestro Wood cartridge - or Clearaudio Emotion SE Turntable w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and same cartridge - or Clearaudio Performance CMB Turntable with w/Satisfy Carbon Fiber Tonearm and Grado Prestige Gold or equivalent cartridge (see Stanwal's quote above)