The new Mobile Fidelity tables are worth taking a look at. You can get the Ultra Deck without cartridge for right under $1K
If I were set on a Rega, I would do like the other poster did and get one off the used market and upgrade at least the sub platter, as its the root cause of the speed issues Rega can have. I also wouldn't feel bad about modifying the plinth to take a VTA adjuster for the arm also.
But if it was me, I would probably be buying a Clearaudio Concept.
Cheers
Mister Pig