Clearaudio Ovation
I started with a Pro-Ject Debut III (with its included Ortofon 2M blue) and a Yaqin MS-22B phono stage. It was a great, relatively inexpensive starter kit for me.
I realized later, that my proximity to a transmission tower here in SF was causing a lot of interference picked up by the tubes. My first upgrade was to a solid state phono preamp - the Clearaudio Nano. It was quiet (I won't call it dead quiet) and not susceptible to the interference. A good upgrade.
My next upgrade was to swap the 2M Blue for a 2M Red. That was a noticeable change. Definitely far less sibilance, and it sounded more refined ("clearer") overall.
Then I was able to substantially increase my audio budget and decided to go for a super nice setup. I ended up choosing the Clearaudio Ovation, as a kit. It included the Clarify tonearm and Concept MC cartridge.
This is admittedly a far jump from a Debut III, and there are definitely very nice turntables in between, in terms of price. So here are some things I liked about the turntable that made me choose it. First, it is a very classic looking turntable. It has a refined look to it, without being too overstated. Second, it's technically and sonically advanced enough to to satisfy my upgrade-itis for quite a while.
I can't imagine having a nicer experience than operating the Ovation. Everything about it feels perfect and capable. It feels like a platform at its peak, and striving for more is just asking for fussiness.
For a short while, I swapped out the CA Nano for another phono stage (an attempt to splurge on a more "high end" phono stage), but I wasn't impressed. For $400, I think the Nano clearly holds its weight in terms of quality. And it's small enough to sit underneath the turntable!
Down the chain from this is a Moon 350P preamp, McIntosh MC302 power amp, and Vienna Acoustics Mozarts.