"The best bang for the buck" is an analog front end in which the separate components are well matched to each other within a certain budget. If they are not well matched, adding money won't help much. Cartridge, arm, table, cable (unless integral to the arm) and phono stage. They must work well as a system. Don't forget precise cartridge set up including loading. My personal goal is maximum information retrieval and neutrality.
A good dealer can help a lot.
A good dealer can help a lot.