Upgrade from Pro-ject 6.9?

Hi all. I have a Pro-ject 6.9 table with a Shelter 501 Mk 11 cartridge. If I want an
improvement in sound that won't break the bank, what do you suggest? Opinion seems to be that the 6.9 is a pretty decent sounding unit, but with more surface noise than some equivalent tables. I'm happy to sell the 6.9 & spend a few hundred extra if it's a noticeable, rather than an academic, improvement. I thought the Rega 3 with the RB300 arm would be an improvement, but some seem to think otherwise. Haven't had experience with Rega so I don't know.
Would value your suggestions.