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

I can buy a brand new SL1500c for $1499 Canadian so really close to your USA$ Budget why not but new?  you get the upgraded motor, etc, so is that better then  a 20+ year old one in your budget? 

Granted i'm not an expert on Technics tables past or present. I also didn't read every post here so if this has been covered sorry for the rehash. 


below for example 
https://www.atlasavu.ca/shop/turntables-accessories/turntables/technics-sl1500c-complete-turntable-s...

I'd keep saving and get the new 1200,  nothing like that classic look and a warranty. Very few people post in these forums that they got screwed on a vintage TT, they  only post when it was a killer score. 

@Uberwaltz                                                                                                                               
I read that some QL7 owners inserted Dynamat-type damping material in the empty spaces under the plinth, significantly improving the sound of the turntable.
Pay close attention to the 4 feet of the plinth, the rubber will probably be compromised and broken after all this time as well as the damping rubber between the barrel and the counterweight of the arm .... I managed to save all 4 feet with a job of patient restoration.  This after the rubber repair:
https://i.postimg.cc/GpX3yCp6/DSCN6033.jpg                                      https://i.postimg.cc/yYnR7k4z/DSCN5962.jpg

Vegasears.
Think I said I was underwhelmed with a couple of my DD TT purchases early on, lol. But you are likely correct, nobody likes to admit they were wrong!

Bestgroove.
The rubber for counterweight is a question I asked the seller and he confirmed was in good shape and pictures show it sitting level not drooping.
Feet may well be a different story but can always use aftermarket isolation feet possibly.

We will see.

Raul.

Cannot buy them all and on this go round I chose the QLA7.
No sleight intended to fans or advocates of any other table.

Reviewed the service manuals on TT-81 and TT-101. The main differences that I found:

-TT101 is coreless servo motor, TT81 is servo but not coreless motor
-2 dB lower noise for TT101
-2 kgs heavier for TT101
- rotational speed performance about the same, very very minor differences