Twl seems to be on vacation, so I'll attempt to emulate what he might recommend. ;) If you'd prefer to buy new then a Teres-based setup would be tough to beat in your price range. Here's one possible configuration:
Teres 245 ($2725)
Origin Live Silver ($925)
If you add Twl's HIFI Mod and my VTF mod you'll get an arm that rivals others that list for $1500+.
Shelter 501 ($800)
That leaves $500ish for a phono stage. I don't have broad enough experience to recommend one, but if $500 isn't enough you could substitute a Denon 102R for the Shelter. That would free up about $500 to put toward the phono stage.
Slightly lower down the price scale, a Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm ($2500) would leave room for a very nice cartridge and phono.
Teres 245 ($2725)
Origin Live Silver ($925)
If you add Twl's HIFI Mod and my VTF mod you'll get an arm that rivals others that list for $1500+.
Shelter 501 ($800)
That leaves $500ish for a phono stage. I don't have broad enough experience to recommend one, but if $500 isn't enough you could substitute a Denon 102R for the Shelter. That would free up about $500 to put toward the phono stage.
Slightly lower down the price scale, a Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm ($2500) would leave room for a very nice cartridge and phono.