Sent Back the Pro-ject Turntable: What would be the best option in the $1800 range?

Sent you a PM earlier.

Get the GR. Stick it on your credit card. You won't notice in a year but you'll be happy you did. 

The most notable difference between the 1500 / 1200G.
SL-1500: Starting Torque, 1.8 kg / cm.
SL-1200G Starting Torque, 3.3 kg / cm.
The 1200G has a stronger motor / more torque.
Wow and Flutter spec appear to be the same. (0.025 % WRMS )
The difference would relate to consistent platter speed.
With the 1500 @ $1199 one could pick up a 2M Bronze Cart.

@rego Don’t you mean the GR? The G is $4k. 
Even if OP gets the 1500, he/she will be wanting/regretting not getting the GR.

Comparing entry level 1500c to the truly high-end "G" make no sense.

The "G" has coreless motor, the best DD motor available today, just like the SP-10R. 

The 1500 does not even assembled in Japan

The GR is much closer to the G, the best choice if the G is too expensive, those models made in Japan.