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

Transrotor Dark Star.

The number of differing opinions may equal the similar number of the applicable tables meeting your price criteria. I had been craving a nice table for quite (!) some time and had been holding off until after I move to a house. A close to perfect (for me) TT became available, with a location that availed pickup for me. So... my choice was the La Platine Verdier. Mine came with a OMA slate plinth, as well. Tho, I do happen to like the classics. Then, I found a DaVinci Grandezza Grand Reference tonearm. I plan to buy a new Lyra Titan I. Full tube system, here. Take your time in choosing so that you find the TT you will be truly be happy with!

Likely, many will respond with their favorite TT under $10K. Here's mine - the Ayre-DPS, which without a tonearm will run about $9250 or so. It is one fantastic turntable! I have it with Mr. Bauer's matching tonearm (about $3.5K if memory serves) and love the setup.

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.