recommendations for TT + arm + cart, around $3.5k

Blackbird can sound a bit thin.....
Classic is a "classic choice" super tables and upgradeable..
worth the wait for one
Moving coils Dynavector,or lyra are really nice

I recently purchased a VPI Classic with a Benz glider (.8mv) cartridge. The combination of turntable and cartridge works great. I haven't listened to a CD since I received the VPI and the CD player I currently own is very good (Cambridge 840C). The Benz and Dynavector cartridges work very well with the VPI 10.5 arm. I would highly recommend waiting for the Classic and matching it with a an upper-end Benz or Dynavector cartridge.

Kuzma Stabi S package w/table, arm goes for about $3200, I think. Lots of great carts have been mentioned here so far.

I bought a VPI aries 1 with sds speed control jmw 10 arm, upgraded motor and original platter for $2500. The Kuzma Stabi S was and still is a temptation. While I would have a hard time buying a "new" audio product the vpi classic which I haven't heard looks great. I bought the aries on audiogon, I was looking online at one from audio classics in binghamton ny for $2300. I had owned a linn lp12 with rega rb300 tonearm which I really liked but didn't like the maintenance and set-up interface and didn't want to put money into the upgrades. My only other table was a rega p3. I have to admit I am a sucker for any table that has a modular upgrade path like the vpi tables. So my experience is limited but I have been very with the vpi aries

I've got the 1027be's. Running Sim Audio amplification and phono stage using balanced interconnects. TT is Kuzma Stabi with Stogi S arm, cart is Clearaudio Maestro Wood (MM). Great synergy, plenty of dynamics, soundstage and some sweet mids. Not the last word in detail but not a bad thing with the beryllium tweeters on the 1027be's. Kuzma TT is excellent value for money with great engineering and a sexy look (is TT love indecent??).