New TT for ~$1500

Well Tempered Simplex. I would choose it over any turntable mentioned here. Great sound, great looking. Cost me $3.5k to find something that was clearly better.

I've read this post with a smile on my face and decided I really must throw my 2 cents in even though it only serves to reinforce what has been said several times before.  Years back I had a Technics 1200 MK 2 (purchased new) which I played with a several mid/high cartridges. The balance of my system was ultra high end so I decided that the analog part needed upgrading. I replaced the MK2 with an Oracle Delphi 5 with an SME 2 arm equipped with a Lyra Argo i cartridge. I was certainly proud of how the Oracle looked vs the Technics. . My mind also told me it sounded much better..well, after spending about 8 grand on my setup it should, right? .....Then a real disaster struck and my entire setup was stolen. 
After replacing my electronics and speakers with equivalents I had only enough cash to purchase a gently used Technics 1200 MK5 and a new Nagaoka MP200. And ya know what, most of my vinyl collection sounds equally as good and some of the lesser quality pressings even sound a bit better. The used MK5 and the new MP200 cost me $1100. It's not that difficult to live with the Technics pedestrian looks after all. 

I hope with Chakster’s, blessing what about the PolyTable?
Looks like a solid option from someone that cannot compete in resources but with a trajectory in table design like no other designer or company.
http://hifigem.com/polytable.html

Dont buy a direct drive table unless you have at least $ 10,000 for the deck only. Old/cheap direct drive tables are terrible IMO. 

If you had the $, the entry level Kuzma arm and table are unbeatable for the price.

Dont buy a direct drive table unless you have at least $ 10,000 for the deck only.

and if you have $10k buy Technics SP10R (just the drive)

then read a little bit about the drive and buy SL1200G with the same motor for $3999 (for compete turntable with tonearm). 

still expensive? Look for SL1200GR for $1700 that is not far from "G"

Actually you don't have to spend $10k just for a reference Direct Drive even considering only NEW models. 

Denon DP-80 drive is $1500 and it's fantastic for the money, but it's from the 70's, anyway MINT condition units still available. This turntable will put in the dust all those new overpriced belt drive up to $10 000