Best turntable/cartridge/phono preamp combo

Matty,
If you are who you say you are, the Great, then get the GREATEST turntable/arm/cart for the money. Notice I am not including a preamp, that's because a preamp will cost some additional $. I doubt what the other members propose- VPI, MMF, with arm and cart, will leave any $ for a pre as you stated in your post.
So, here's my suggestion: Lenco 75 w/ RB300/ Denon 103 cart. Cost to have one made, about $1200-$1500. Cost for you to build, about $800-$1000 depending on how much you spend on the Lenco as they are getting more expensive by the minute. The Lenco, Swiss made in the 70s, is an idler wheel drive as opposed to a belt drive.
After I rebuilt my first Lenco, I sold 3 belt drives- MMF, VPI and B&O. There are several posts by others who have sold their expensive belt drives after they heard a properly set up Lenco.
Be warned, you will keep your vinyl and start adding to your collection.
Search the 'gon for info about these fantastic tables.
Good luck.

Actually a used Music Hall MMF-7 (about $800), a manual record cleaning machine (figure $150), and a used Creek OBH-8 phono preamplifier (about $125) are well under his target price.

This is the easiest and most affordable entry into vinyl. Lastly, the Music Hall and Creek are easy to sell on Audiogon when upgraditis hits.

All of course IMO.

Music Hall MM7, Shelter 501 mk 2 and EAR 834P phono pre. Exceptional combo and great $ value!

I like the Rega P3, Elys 2, and Fono preamp. Great upgradeability and ain't half bad to start with.

The Project tonearm on the MMF-7 will not track the Shelter to its' full potential. Stick with the factory supplied Goldring if you go with the MMF-7. Anything more expensive is basically a waste of money.

Good luck.