I don't know.... $4k sounds a little steep to me but I guess it's all a matter of what the market will bear. I think a good price would be $3k maybe. I mean the last model was like $2500 before they were discontinued.
In fact I am using a 1210M5G with a Herbie way excellent II mat, Ortofon 2M Black, and a highly modified Tubes4HiFi PH-16 tube phono preamp with very satisfying results. I have the whole thing resting on a DIY Gingko cloud platform. With only $700 (used) in the turntable, $500 for the cartridge, $100 Herbie Mat I just cannot see $4,000. If anything I would purchase an SME 309 arm and maybe a TimeStep HE III external power supply.
In fact I am using a 1210M5G with a Herbie way excellent II mat, Ortofon 2M Black, and a highly modified Tubes4HiFi PH-16 tube phono preamp with very satisfying results. I have the whole thing resting on a DIY Gingko cloud platform. With only $700 (used) in the turntable, $500 for the cartridge, $100 Herbie Mat I just cannot see $4,000. If anything I would purchase an SME 309 arm and maybe a TimeStep HE III external power supply.