Next step in Turntable

Yes, that SOTA still around and kicking since the 80’s. Donna runs it now and carries many arms and can get many others. She carries Origin and that is a fine arm that provides superb value. That close to home you should reach out !

A SOTA with Origin Live Conqueror (or thereabouts) https://www.originlive.com/hi-fi/tonearm/#premiumrange will certainly deliver otherworldly level performance. Then later on when you are ready for a new cart, Soundsmith SG1 and you are set. 

Chakster;

sota ? As in SOTA turntables ?

I hear their name a lot, They are in Delavan wi , about 30 miles from me , Milwaukee

It was a joke, because you asked Mijostyn about turntable, for him it’s SOTA and almost any audiogonner aware of it :))

Actually you could try if they are near.

I prefer direct drive turntables, the ultimate today is SP-10R drive from Technics, Japan. Tonearm and custom plinth of your choice. Probably it’s over your budget.

"$10k seems very reasonable"

If that's the case, then you're also dropping minimum $3-5K on a phono stage at some point to make that 10$K investment sound the way it's intended. Existing phono stage needs to step up with the new table.

Big picture is you're dropping 15 large when all said and done.

Just another perspective here. $10K can also buy a better phonostage $3-5K and a Rega P10 -arguably enough audiophool performance to satisfy plenty of owners who have 'been there, done that"  with nice setups. You may even be able to find a deal with the Apheta cartridge.

P10 or a Technics can be a significant upgrade for the dough. A used VPI might be realistic also, but you need to know exactly what you're getting for the money.

All those tables suggested can be end game but, you still have your existing phonostage.

like crack, it probably won’t end at …$15 k….

nor will the LP collection…

the Bardo BTW is a direct drive….