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

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

Your biggest "investment" (read: outlay, not profit center) is gonna be LPs. Cleaning equipment or the ability to clean manually is essential. Phono preamp is critical. As is cartridge and arm. I question whether going to LP at this stage is a wise decision, and I'm somebody who has been buying records for about 60 years, have had substantial accumulations of LPs over the years and have been through a variety of high end tables, arms, cartridge, phono stages and cleaning systems. 

Just a warning that it isn't just the table. There's a whole lotta stuff that goes with it. 

There are plenty of good tables out there. I like the ability to put my own choice of tone arm on the table, so that may or may not be a factor for you. Cartridges- I tend to go for top tier cartridges, and they are consumables-wear is a factor that is often ignored or underestimated. And a good cleaning regime is essential, especially if you are buying old pressings. A lot of new LPs are pulled from digital masters- nothing wrong with that but it's also a crossroads where putting money into a good digital front end may make sense. On the other hand, if you are willing to commit to the format, and all that is associated with it, there is great joy to be had. There are millions of records out there and lots to explore.