Want to get into Analog

Technics SL-1600MK2 if you can find one.  It is fully automatic, and unlike the vintage SL-1200, it was not designed to be a DJ turntable.  I’ve had one for over 30 years and its still going strong in my secondary system.

The Technics SL-1200mk2 is a risky proposition. Most of them have been thrashed by rap-“DJ”s and will need all moving parts replaced. As OldSchool said, a fully automatic SL-1600mk2 is an vastly superior turntable, but very rare as are its SL-1700mk2 semi-automatic and SL-1800mk2 brothers. You could start off with an inexpensive AT95E to stay within your budget, and over time upgrade to an AT VM540ML, better tonearm wiring, interconnects, phono stage and KAB fluid damper. 

Why does it have to be vintage? For your first TT and for simplicity, you can get a new Rega P3 with an Elys cartridge within your budget. For a little more you can upgrade the cartridge to an Exact 2. It’s a great starter table.
Also, I would be very reluctant to buy a "vintage" turntable on Ebay.
Audiogon or US Audio Mart, probably yes.
 

The Technics SL-1200mk2 is a risky proposition. Most of them have been thrashed by rap-“DJ”s and will need all moving parts replaced.

Some "Rap-DJ" ruined @sleepwalker65 life?

Why so much hate for them in every post about 1200mk2 ?

Moving record back and forth does not destroy a turntable, tonearm or motor, they can only destroy a record and needle, but SHURE M44-7 needles designed for them, special slipmats designed for them (for your favorite "rap-djs", they are actually a hip-hop scratch or battle djs, because rap is rhyme, not a music).

And how a certain genre of music can "thrash" a turntable?

What he’s destroying in this video by spinning two identical James Brown records ? He’s manipulating records doing tricks (cutting samples right from the record in real time using cross fader on technics mixer), but turntable platter is always spinning forward, tonearm does not move, record needle does not skip. It doesn’t matter do you like his choice of music or performance - this is the best example how good and stable this tuirntable is !

Until someone physically destroy a tonearm (by dropping a brick on it) this turntable is bulletproof and this is the reason why SL1210mkII has been choosen for clubs, bars, radiostations for all kind of DJs.

And in 2019 Technics made improved SL1200 mk7 (retail is $1200)

@mrpostfire,

If you're really serious, you'd not rely on others and go for what you feel.