New TT -- $1k - $1500

Well, Martinman, I’m *not* a DIY-er, and yet all the tweaks I mentioned I did myself. Installing the KAB fluid damper was pretty simple, and everything else was easier.

I had one advantage, however. The SL1210 M5G model comes standard with oxygen-free copper wiring in the tonearm, so I never had that rewired. I suspect that a low-capacitance the tonearm rewire on the standard models is essential for all the other good things to follow. I wonder if your any of your local audiosnob shops would be willing to stoop to rewire the tonearm. KAB has a low-friction hyperlitz tonearm wire that’s only $10/foot. https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/superflex.htm

Take a look at the new Technics 1200GAE table due out this summer. You can find a posting by mitch4t today on this forum with a link to more information.

If you take the leap to a REGA RP6 or even a RP3 with upgrades, you will find that the technics sounded THIN compared to the huge soudstage and fleshy images you will get with a REGA table and a EXACT/ Dynavector 10x5 cartridge. Any other table is moving sideways IMO. 

Matt M
 

My experience was totally contrary with Rega P3(terrible deck and great arm). I found that Rega P3 sounded FLAT and buzzzzed lots. It lasted couple of month in my system and I found that even stock SL1200 humiliates Rega P3 with greater tonal balance and clearer midrange. Bass was also tighter and substantially faster. 
Invest your money into upgrading SL1200 arm, arm-board, because the quality of this deck is substantially higher of any Rega in the market.

FWIW, there is a Sota Sapphire that just popped up here from a guy in Toronto with a number of updates at the low end of your range.  That leaves enough room left over for both a new arm and cartridge if desired.  I have been totally satisfied with mine for 30+ years and strongly suggest you consider it.  I feel it is a far more musical table than either Rega or Technics.  Note I moved from a Rega Planar 2 (way back in the day) to the Sota, so have A-B experience in my own home there.  Sota tables can also be upgraded in any number of ways for reasonable money when the mood strikes.

Good luck & happy listening!

http://www.sotaturntables.com/newtables/comet.htm

This is a nice one within your budget!