Clearaudio Concept - lean, analytical
Music Hall MMF 7.3 - Warmer, which is what you want in a budget component. "Seems like a great solution" Yes it does.
VPI Cliff Wood Another similar warmer more forgiving sound.
Pro-ject X1 or X2 - Have read some reports of motor noise
Rega Planar 2 or 3 - Maybe not as lean as Clearaudio, but close.
Setup and convenience of use are important but difficult setup is almost always exaggerated. More practical concern is cartridge output, since if its too low its hard to find a good phono stage for it in your price range.
Really hard to go wrong with any of them. But if MMF seems like a great solution it probably is.
Music Hall MMF 7.3 - Warmer, which is what you want in a budget component. "Seems like a great solution" Yes it does.
VPI Cliff Wood Another similar warmer more forgiving sound.
Pro-ject X1 or X2 - Have read some reports of motor noise
Rega Planar 2 or 3 - Maybe not as lean as Clearaudio, but close.
Setup and convenience of use are important but difficult setup is almost always exaggerated. More practical concern is cartridge output, since if its too low its hard to find a good phono stage for it in your price range.
Really hard to go wrong with any of them. But if MMF seems like a great solution it probably is.