Best TT and cartridge combo used under $1500?

Interesting that AT cartridges came up. I"m still mourning the discontinuation of the AT33PTG model. The AT33EV seems to be the replacement, but with a "nude elliptical" instead of line contact stylus.

http://www.jr.com/audio-technica/pe/AT_AT33EV/
http://www.soundstage.com/equipment/audiotechnica_at33ev.htm

I never could get the high end of the AT-150mlx to settle in. I think my preference would be for an MC if you have the equipment for it.

My BAT pre has a built in phono input. MC cartridges are no problem, for the Benz Wood SH I sold was a high output MC cartridge. Are the Gyro SE and the VPI HW-19mkIV both about the same vintage? I'm leaning more towards something newer. I came close to pulling the trigger on a Project 6 Prospectek or whatever it's called, but decided to do a bit more research, beginning with the forums for suggestions.

I fig'd many of you have assembled some very musical systems on a budget. I could consider acquiring a table only for now and add a cartridge later, but the TT must come with an arm. It's been slim pickin's on the ads this week. I see a Basic 1400, but that's too old for my liking. Thanks to all for the input.

The best way to maximize the sound is to buy something new, that hasn't had tonearm or platter bearings damaged from misuse or abuse by a previous owner, and properly set up by a trained dealer. Apparently you were unsatisfied by the Marantz, but I don't know if that's because it didn't offer enough performance in its areas of strength or if its strengths didn't match your priorities. For a different flavor, my favorite in that price range is the P3-24 with Elys 2 cartridge. Bought new, there's enough room in the budget to get the TTPSU should a home audition convince you it makes a worthwhile improvement. I find the Rega's tuneful, rhythmically engaging sound more satisfying than most 'tables that use a lot of acrylic in the design, which tend to excel at resolution and imaging at the expense of somewhat confused timing-related attributes.

I'm not sure when the last HW-19 was produced. They still have parts.

I picked the HW-19 because it was a very good value for the price. It was a simple suspended design which could be tweaked and I could fix anything that went wrong on it.

The one thing i had to do was make an armboard for the tonearm. not hard and anyone with a table saw and drill press could do for you.

I bought mine without a tonearm and needed to watch the cash so i went with the Jelco/Audioquest.

It took awhile to get one but a scored a mint MKIV off ebay with the lead filled platter and tnt bearing.

I have not heard a lot of TT's but it sounds good to me :)

The Gyro SE is a current Michell model, though the basic design has probably not changed in decades.

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/gyrodec_orbe_turntable.html

I have that BAT phono board as well. It's a really excellent phono board and can probably handle anything.