Rega, Music Hall or VPI

The Mk IV is in the upper end of the high end. Based on what I know about VPI, it's also easy to upgrade.

I got lucky with a "not particularly well regarded" used Linn Basik/Akito combo...best under 500 bucks I've ever spent, and, although it is simple and unsprung, after careful setup (mostly due to following the suggestion of putting it on a low-mass, stable low table after an attempt at sticking it on top of my rack heap...bad idea...) I'm AMAZED at how great it sounds. I'll replace it with something expensive someday...maybe something with a gigantic opaque platter and rubber isolation crap everywhere...

Shimanole,
I suggested the Thornes and Dual due to better build quality over the Rega RP-1. Never been of fan of Rega tables they have an unfinished look and feel. The P3 has always sounded thin and hollow, lacking body, weight and warmth. The Music Hall 2.2 could be a great value but the 5.1se appears to be the best sound per $$$ model in the current product line. The Needle Doctor carries Thorens and Quest for Sound has Dual turntables. Both are very respected online dealers and will answer any questions. Good luck.

With VPI, you can go from the HW-19 all the way up the line without buying a new table. They have a clear, easy to follow upgrade path, and from what I know; you can do it yourself, no need to send anything back.

Your first and your last decent table could be Nottingham. No upgrades, no need. I will keep my Spacedeck until I am prepared to spend at least $5k on used table/arm, that's $10k new set-up. Simple, reliable, sounds big and confident.
I am not familiar with Clearaudio.