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

@rego,

I appreciate the correction. Thanks

Go for a second hand Thorens TD125 Mk2 or a second hand Linn Sondek LP12

To the OP, if indeed the SL1500 has the very same coreless motor as does the SL1200, and if the $ are very important to you, then go for the SL1500.  Thanks to Rego for the cogent information, and I apologize for misinforming you that the SL1500 lacks the coreless motor, albeit, I still think the SL1200 will be better sonically, overall.

Mijo, Please stop dispensing your beliefs and opinions as fact.  The AR XA is a primitive effort, a piece of junk by modern standards, although a standard bearer for its time (which was 60 years ago).  It bears no comparison to any of the new crop of Technics DD turntables, IN MY OPINION.  It doesn't hold a candle even to my 40-year-old Denon DP80.

That big magnetic menace under the platter will scramble the coils of any cartridge.

Bullshits.