Turntable getting back to vinyl

I recently decided to revive my Vinyl collection and didn't want to spend a bundle.  I purchased the Project Carbon Debut with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and I am loving it. I may upgrade in the future but for now I am totally satisfied. 

Also a table like the Carbon D will have decent resale value if you decide to upgrade. something always to keep in mind. 

Turntable gives you a quiet background and stable speed, and therefore low distortion. Or not.

Tonearm allows your cartridge to track properly and give its best performance. Or not.

Cartridge accurately converts the information on the groove into electricity, when it's allowed to. Or not.

Turntables don't wear out. Tonearms don't wear out. Cartridge styli (in your price range) wear out faster than toilet humor. Where to spend the money? I suspect you know.

I heard that the PHONO STAGE is the heart of the vinyl system, and if there’s one place you shouldn’t scrimp it’s there.

I would recommend a Technics SL1700mk2 or the SL1800mk2. Both excellent sounding turntables. Basically the home version of the technics SL1200mk2.