Hi,
The tonearm bearing friction and mass of tonearms on integrated direct-drive tables like the Stanton, Technics (consider a used one) are adequate for cartridges like the Shure M97, a mid-priced Stanton or Grado. If you get into higher-end top of the line cartridges, you must go to a separate custom (very expensive) tonearm in order to realize the performance potential of these cartridges. For occasional, routine use, the M97 in a direct-drive will be fine. If you go the other route, you are into thousands of dollars. The Shure cartridges also include a viscous-damped stabilizer brush that is very effective at smoothing out warp-induced artifacts.
Given the severe, intrinsic limitations of vinyl playback, I don't think it's worth spending huge amounts on turntable/arm technology, unless you entirely reject modern digital recordings and CD.
Regards,
