If you're going the TT route, keep in mind that having a clean record is just as important as anything else. And I do agree that having everything in balance matters. The real question is whether you want vinyl to be your "serious" source material or is its just about having a table for occasional. If it's occasional, I'd suggest getting a higher end table/arm/cartridge combination like that from clear audio (a concept for example with the MC cart, or the Performance) so that you don't have to mess with a set up that itself can be frustrating. Also, there are lots of very good ~~$1000 phono preamps out their (Musical Surrounds for example). But with your ARC gear (I have a Ref 2 phono and Ref 5 pre-amp), and you want a table set up to match the capabilities
of your gear, your going to have to spend some money. And at that stage, getting a ultrasonic LP cleaner is really a necessity.
