best turntable under $5k

Thought abou it somemore befoe I saw everybody's posts and have to agree givenm midedle men etc Terest is a good bet maybe the best.But I also think they takle that into account and make up for lower sales numbers (shops don't display them) so they chag\rge more given the fact they have lesser salkes and still hav to keep the lights on.It's not as if Bill Gates decided he's make a company as a hobby and just cover costs.
Chazz

Sota Nova V vacuum. Or, one step up to a Sota Cosmos III used if you can find it.

the SOTA COSMOS is slightly over your limit. nevertheless I belive it is an all out design which uses mass, floating suspension and vaccumm hold down. you need (don't want the suspension to oscillate)to use a light weigt arm and cartridge. I beleive you cannot use mass alone to damp out structual and airborne vibrations. an appropriate arm would be sme iv.vi and sumiko celebration.
Good news is there is an embarrasment of riches at this price point.

The VPI, scoutmaster, or even the superscoutmaster, would be an excellent table for the money.