Turntable advice

as far as MC cartridges and phono, folks generally ge tthe best sound from a step-up transformer into a top-notch MM phono stage. but a stepup is $400-$1k for good ones. 

someone mentioned the DS2. ive listened to  MM section, and it was damn good. all adjustments on front of unit. quite good. never listened to MC section. adjustable gain is a nice feature regardless. 

Rega has a great reputation for a reason. I recommend buying a Rega from a dealer. Have him set it up. My dealer/friend sells many and attests to their incredible value and simplicity. 
 

While the tools for adjustment are not expensive, adjustment is a very fine work and best that final adjustments done by ear… an acquired skill. I am fairly impatient and therefore never adjust my turntable. On the other hand once set up no adjustment is required until upgrade or stylist replacement. 
 

So, as a beginner, I would highly recommend a Rega… great value for the money. Just get with cartridge and no setup should be required… and better yet buy from a local dealer… over time if you get into it he can guide you and take yours as a trade in.

There was another similar thread here recently that the OP may find interesting.

To spend $5K for your list of needs, Pro-Ject hits the sweet spot with the X8 EVO, a Wellfleet cart, HeadBox and PhonoBox DS3. I would add a pair of Sennheiser HD660S and a Cardas Parsec cable. Other carts to consider…Ortofon 2M Bronze, Dynavector 10X5 Low. 

right.....VPI almost demands "fiddling around".   With that said...you really only have to do it twice (the second time to assure the first time was correct).  Perfect VTA, and perfect side thrust compensation is only sharpening the edge but in many cases make little difference.  I have a VPI and like it, but I wonder if you'd actually just like to play a record and smile.