So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?

I've lived for years with DP75 (with mineral plinth and AT-1100 tonearm). It's a very dependable and solid machine and by most accounts very similar in quality to DP80, but somewhat easier to find and at a lower price. 

I switched to PL70L II, which I much preferred over the DP75. But I attribute this mostly to the wonderful tonearm, which makes this Pioneer a great choice in your price range. I got it at HiFiDo several years ago for less than $1000, but have to assume its market value has gone up since. 

Interesting
I wonder why best groove had just the pl70 with NOT the pl70l II as edgewear appears to really like that one?

@uberwaltz

Because the PL70 is equipped with the famous MU70 engine and should be identical or derived from (if I remember correctly) to the engine mounted on the Exclusive PL 10 which is better in quality than the PL70II engine even if the written specifications do not say so.
Furthermore the MU 70 in the past was sold separately as an engine this because at Pioneer they believed it very much.

Thanks bestgroove.
Although I fear that too is out of my price range right now.

With my budget likely going to be a middle of the road TT rather than one of their top flight models.

Actually I would prefer a mostly manual DD TT, a lot less to go wrong with aging electronics.
Not particularly handy at small electronics myself an no reputable tech in my area.

Many moons ago I had a Kenwood KD-500 and Kenwood KD-600. Both of them are outstanding tables! Check the Ebay listings, you should find one within your budget!