seeking turntable recommendations

VPI HE-19 mk 3 or 4 around 800-900 with arm

easy to set up and work on

Lenco, Lenco, Lenco (L75 or GL75, only). You can get one in restored condition in a nice plinth for that kind of dough. They are wonderful tt's and are bullet-proof. Others might suggest vintage Technics, etc. Actually, there are a lot of good choices out there for you, if you are willing to buy used and/or vintage stuff.

For a little bit more money, you can get the Well Tempered Amadeus. SOTA performance for such a measly sum. I own one and I cannot be happier! Bill Firebaugh is a genius! The Amadeus is special because it virtually emilinates the single most significant problem turntable designers have to tackle: friction! Most turntables, no matter how fancy and complex, have bearings and other friction-prone materials in their spindles and tonearms. The Well-Tempered has none! Once you've heard this "frictionless" performance, other TT's sound murky and opaque by comparison and there's no going back! Before you splurge, I urge you to find a dealer and listen to one. Happy holidays!

Totally agree with everything Aisip said. My Amadeus is amazing!

In my haste and excitement to share my audio bliss, I forgot to mention the other problems that the Amadeus also solves with its unique design. In addition to friction, it also eliminates bearing chatter and other microscopic mechanical vibrations common to conventional spindle and tonearm designs. 4musica, what cartridge are you using? I'm very happy with my Shelter 7000. Transient attacks are explosive and the mids are glorious! I hope other Amadeus owners would chime in. Happy holidays!