Replacing my old soda Sapphire: which clearaudio

In your price range I like the Origin Live decks

I have both, Sota Star and Clearaudio Performance. the Performance is a very nice table, dead quiet and speed right on the money. The Satisfy carbon arm is also very good. I dont think you will lose any performance by switching to the Clearaudio, but you will need to isolate it in some manner if room vibrations are an issue. The Sota has about the best suspension system around, so you will lose that benefit.

"My wife objects to the wood base of the turntable."

Is this a new wife or a new turntable?

Shakey

One and only wife; the turntable is new to me.

Can you please say more about isolation and room vibrations. I am not too familiar with those concepts. Is there a device I can buy for isolation?