seeking turntable recommendations

Turntable for hard-earned dollars? Something really good that you wouldn't want to upgrade soon?
Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm. That would be about $1500 in excellent condition. But they are not easy to find, few sell them. As for the cartridge for about $500... It could be MM Goldring 1042 or MC Dynavector 10X5 new, or used Shelter 501 or Dynavector 20X. Or, there is a guy from Hong Kong on ebay and here who sells Shelter 301 new for $500.
What is your phono stage going to be and what kind of music do you mostly listen to?

Aisip - My reference system (with the best turntable) consists of the following sources: Ayre-DPS with Mr. Bauer's tonearm and the EMT JSD5, ARC CD7 CDP, Mac/Wavelength Cosecant Version I music server, and Kenwood L-01T FM tuner. The pre is a Shindo Masseto and I use an Auditorium 23 SUT for the JSD5. Amps are the Luxman MQ-88 (best amp I have ever heard except the better Shindos) and the Nagra PSA depending on my mood. Speakers are the DeVore Fidelity Reference Silverbacks. ICs are all Auditorium 23. Speaker cable is by Basis, not a common one but very musical. All go through a Shunyata Hydra V-Ray Version 1 via Shunyata power cords except the Masseto which must use its own power cord.

I have been very satisfied with my Rega P5 with Exact 2 cartridge, and I use a Bellari VP129 phonostage. I believe this combo can still be had, all of it new, for under $2000.

4musica - Again double wow! Thank you for responding and sharing. You have absolutely top-notched gear! I am green with envy, he-he! Hopefully in a few more years, I too would be able to put together my dream system. Best wishes!

Try to find a Well Tempered Amadeus.