I have a VPI Prime which I can highly recommend…but with price increases, cost of cartridge and a phono Preamp…you will at least be at the top of your budget.Not sure. I’d like mid to high end. 5-8k?
If I were buying today…and I was not going to get a VPI, I would likely get a Avid or a Goldnote. Not your most popular brands but I am a huge fan of the build and look of each.