Looking for a best TT without arm for under 10K.

There are a lot of people that have replaced mega-buck TTs with the Technics SP 10 and a good plinth. A good DD TT will sound better than all but the very best belt drive tables. Compared to those there is almost no difference.

You can spend a lot of money, but you don't have to especially if you want good sound. I had a number of tables in my room ranging from the Sota Cosmos VII to a Teres, and the technics was better than anything I have owned.

Another big +1 for the Bauer DPS/Ayre turntable. The combo that really kills is the one pictured at that link--with DPS's own dedicated tonearm and a Lyra cartridge. The earlier prototype had a hot-rodded RB250 tonearm, but the final productized one with the DPS tonearm is better.

Between Ayre's power supply and DPS's unique bearing and pulling design, this 'table has the best speed consistency of any belt-drive I've heard anywhere near this price. It does not have that characteristic "belt drive" sound; it's more neutral and the speed consistency is better.

The design of the turntable itself is all about vibration damping and control, and DPS managed to package it in a modest, elegant rectangular package.

Stereophile's review is here, but as usual Art Dudley couldn't content himself with reviewing the product as shipped; he swapped in his Naim Aro tonearm, negating half the equation. His review is extremely favorable, but the DPS tonearm is so good it deserved full consideration. The picture at the Ayre site shows the DPS tonearm; Dudley's S'phile review evidently shows it with the Aro. Still, that may give you more what you're looking for, as you could install a SME, Graham, or whatever and Dudley's review gives you what the turntable does apart from the tonearm.

Links to more reviews are available here.

Of course, there is no "Best" turntable under $10K. There are many options available. I have been very happy with my Galibier Gavia table and would recommend that you consider it.

The very latest Oracle is a superb table as well.It seems to have it all,in that the design is quite complete.A superb suspension,clamping system,and it has been refined over many years.

Many choices here for sure.

Good luck

I can add to the recommendations for the DPS3 - I have owned mine for close to three years now. I usually have the chance to listen and setup many turntables (e.g. Verdier, Raven AC, several VPIs) and never felt like I should consider switching at all. The DPS easily perform at the level of the Raven, Verdier, etc. but is even more a set it and forget it turntable. The DPS/Ayre is highly underrated IMO.

I am running the DPS with a Schroeder No2. fw and either and Allaerts MC1B or a Lyra Delos.