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

Denon DP3000N  

These are beautiful + Good quality with detachable headshell  

$2800 so you have some money to get a nice cart  

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-f8ZjyHc5AKh/p_033DP3000N/Denon-DP-3000NE.html?XVINQ=GLX&XVVer=1HJB&awcr=674034942935&awdv=m&awnw=g&awug=9060351&awkw=pla-2200527483050&awmt=&awat=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18596593409&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-zHBhBhEiwA7Kjq63Ey2byemlPBxTuHtGOYRfxAxkdNDWtJK9GLCLLEa7RWb75Pi6HZqhoCmUsQAvD_BwE

While there are a lot of good turntables in that budget range. My feeling is that you get a big step up in the $5K range. This puts you into range of tables like the Linn LP12 Majik. Particularly great because if you get the bug you can incrementally upgrade components like the sub-chassis, tone arm, etc. I got a mid-range one... then upgraded it to the Klimax level. Outstanding table.  

There are many others in this range from VPI, Clear Audio... etc. 

I'm going to assume that you don't have a phooo preamp?  That is important.  I am NOT claiming to be an expert by any means, but I've owned many turntables, arms, phono preamps, and cartridges throughout my 40 years of being an audiophile.  Currently, I am running a VPI Classic 2 with the ceramic-coated platter.  On an H. Weisfeld tip, I'm using a Stand Alone Motor that's 300 RPM, I updated the arm to the 3D Gimbal Signature 10.5, and I use a Hana ML cartridge. My phono preamp is an Esoteric Audio E-03.  My tonearm cable is a Cardas Golden Presence, and lastly, a VPI SDS motor control.  All told, if I bought all of this new, we'd be right around $18K.  I did NOT buy it all new, so I'm in less than half of that.  That is the value of buying used.  The problem is, you never know if the guy you're buying it from knows how to pack a table!

A short while ago, I was figuring out how money should be distributed in a vinyl playback system if you're dealing with retail prices.  Things are so competitive anymore that in terms of "different" at a given price point, there will be some variety!  Regarding best/worst/etc... at a given price point, the differences won't be earth-shattering from the bigger players.  They can't afford to be!

The distribution ratio that seems pretty close in my mind is 50% allocated to the table and arm, 35% to the phono preamp, and 15% to the cartridge.  These are approximate guidelines in my mind.  I've seen far too many people blow the wad on the deck and have practically nothing left for a phono pre and cartridge.  For some reason, it seems like the enthusiasm for investing in a really good phono preamp isn't there much of the time, which is really too bad, because this makes a huge difference!   My approximate ratio places you at $1750 for a turntable/tonearm, $1225 for a phono preamp, and $525 for a cartridge.  For this total expenditure, you can assemble a musical analog system.  About the turntable brands?

Rega has a clean, lean, fast, and detailed sound.  Clearaudio is fuller-sounding than a Rega, yet detailed.  VPI is a very neutral deck with great dynamics, but it can be a bit forward (like a Rega or Clearaudio but less so), and for those seeking a big and romantic sound, it may not be "the one".  A killer buy right now is the Mobile Fidelity Ultradeck.  I had one in my system, and for the price they're asking right now, BIG value.  They're a bit on the warm side of neutral, but not as much as ProJect.  They come with a pretty decent MM cartridge, too.  If you want really warm, ProJect.  Their tables seem to be very full-bodied in sound while extracting acceptable detail.  

If you save some money by getting an Ultradeck, that will allow for a good vacuum system to clean your vinyl, which is essential.  I encourage you to read reviews concerning the various "flavors" of phono pres available.  You've got enough money left that you're in that $1000 or so range.  There's some nice stuff there.  If you play your cards right, you'll have enough money for a bunch of records!

Good luck!

At this price, I would choose a used Technics 1200G, which is indestructible!

@oldaudiophile 

Make sure you have an absolutely rock-solid surface to park any TT on

I have taken this advice literally!  My Garrard 301 sits on 2 slabs of Sydney sandstone separated by constrained layer damping.  About 40-kg of rock-solid.

Have just bought two more slabs at A$40 each to go under my new Holbo Air-bearing table.  This will be the third table I have owned in 60 years.

Ultrasonic cleaners do not have to be that expensive.  I paid under A$300 for a Chinese unit which works very well, if noisily, when used with the chemicals recommended by Neil A @antinn