Need guidance on best turntable in the 3K-3.5K range

If I were looking to buy a TT in your price range I would opt for the used market because there are many expensive tables out there at a fraction of their retail price. 

For example, I bought a rather expensive German TT with arm for $6000 whose MSRP with an arm was just shy of $20,000.

The great thing about TT's, especially the more upscale machines, is the quality of build is exemplary and there is very little that can go wrong over time, unlike speakers or electronics.

Turntable companies that have gone out of business, and there are many because they tend to be small boutique companies, are a particularly good deal.

Good luck with your search. 

Technics sl1200g (5k new) or Technics sl1300 g (4k new) both top rated, built like a tank and detachable headshells. 

Assuming your amp already has a built in phono stage.  The TT is a no brainer, Technics SL1300G.  Cartridge would be either an Audio Technica AT-VM95 or an Ortofon 2M Blue.

Or you could be more adventurous and order a Holbo Mk 2 air bearing table direct from the factory in Slovenia.  Holbo's reviews are impressive, and the price is extraordinary - Holbo has cut out the middle-man and opts for a direct sales model.

The Holbo has several unique selling propositions, apart from value-for-money.

It is a tangential tracker, eliminating the need for anti-skating, and ensuring the "horizontal" tracking error is near zero, unlike almost all pivoting tonearms.

The tonearm itself is very low mass and "slides" on a cushion of air ensuring virtually no friction either horizontally or vertically.  Built in a T-shape it ensures the cartridge is always perpendicular to the groove - always.

The platter weighs 5-kg and also runs on an air bearing.  With the drive belt removed, it apparently takes about 3 minutes to stop spinning from 33-rpm.

Because both the platter and the tonearm are separated from the chassis by layers of air, the cartridge is protected from external vibrations to a remarkable degree.

You do have to add a cartridge and a suitable phono stage if you do not have one.

Pete Riggle, the man  who makes my 12.5" wooden tonearm (which sounds and works beautifully), really likes the George Merrill  "GEM Dandy Signature Polytable." It is very affordable (around $3000), and you can buy it in a one or two tonearm set up. If you go to Riggle's website, he even has a little section that sings its praises. I haven't heard it, but I suggest it because it fits your budget, and someone whose ears I respect says it is very good. 

Good luck,

David