Unfortunately, your original demo has set you up for disappointment at your budget, undefined as it is. There is no question that the table and arm make a huge difference. You will typically hear some variation on this priority: table, arm, phono stage, cartridge. If budgeting over time is helpful, I always recommend stretching for the best table/arm you can get and skimping on the preamp and cartridge with the assumption of upgrading, in that order, as budget allows, making sure that the preamp you upgrade to will accommodate the cart you have your eye on. Agreed that going used will obviously save on resale loss.
BTW, I think you get a lot of argument that the Marantz is not "a world apart" from the SME 20.
BTW, I think you get a lot of argument that the Marantz is not "a world apart" from the SME 20.