New Turntable Advice

STAY AWAY FROM THE NAK CT DRAGON.  Add The TX-1000.  Don't listen to anyone claiming these are good choices.  They are mediocre sounding products that are outperformed by any decent turntable.  Victor's Stereo in Chicago had these in the main sound room, more as museum pieces, objets d'art if you will, more than anything else, particularly the TX-1000, which has high marks for cool factor but sonically not much going for it.  I heard them plenty of times over a decade +.  By a new table, and don't waste your time with elderly products that might give you headaches like your VPI. 

Absolutely great advise.   Buy a new table or nice demo.   Your budget allows for something nice 

Vitruss can you make a suggestion on a new technology TT? Do you have any experience or have you listened to a Sony PS-X9?

thanks 

No, I don't have any experience with that Table, but my opinion applies to it; it's an interesting product, but if you don't have its provenance, the full history of it, it's difficult to come to any opinion of its condition.  You know, if you're into antiques, purchase a stethoscope, two kinds, one classic style and one for automobiles, both cheap, and bring them with you when checking out vintage gear.  They can help you with pinning down noise-related issues.  First, may I suggest listening to a new table like a Technics, to get a handle on what a quiet main bearing sounds like, or not make a sound.  Then go ahead and check out the used market.  I do this for friends.  You would be surprised at the percentage of turntables that don't pass muster. 

PSX9 is very scarce. I’ve never seen one for sale, even in Tokyo. Competent repair personnel are even more scarce in the US.