New TT for ~$1500

@chakster that was my original plan but I never see them come on the used market!

quick search came up with this

Technics turntable SL1210 MK5G. Condition is Well maintained I have 3 MK5Grandmasters for sale

https://www.ebay.com/c/15020228144

and this article
https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/technics-sl-1200sl-1210-mk7

if not changing pitch for dj work, what are the 'equally best' models in terms of simply playing 33.33 steadily, deck resonance?

 IOW, the pricer 'grand' models make zero difference to us, except sleeping better at night.

The Hana SL is a wear-it-down to the nub cartridge. Thats a good thing.  Also look at similarly priced Benz.

denon with a marble plinth

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DP-1800-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Marble-Plinth-in-Very-Good-Condition/153950071172?hash=item23d823a984:g:Or4AAOSwnaVez0iP

Hi to everybody. Greetings from Australia.
I am very new here, although not at all new to audio and I have been following this topic with interest.
I also had the same question as the OP and I looked at and listened to as many of the usual suspects as possible, so Pro-Ject, Rega, Music Hall etc.
I decided on a Pro-Ject 2xperince DC at a cheap price for a demo unit, but quickly became dis satisfied with it, so I sold it and imported a vintage Pioneer PL 50  via Noppin and subsequently fitted a Dynavector DV 20 XL cart.

Compared to you guys in the USA, all audio gear is very expensive in Australia and even ordinary tables like the Rega 8 and MoFi Ultradeck are $4K+ AUD here. My Pioneer sounds( and looks) great and you can see, feel touch and most importantly, hear, the quality of a 30 year old table compared to a 2020 table.
So, to address the OP's question, I would look to import a vintage DD 'table such as Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, Victor etc for a ridiculously low price. Yes, it is true that shipping is expensive but all up my Pioneer cost me $1100 AUD, two years ago. Shipping prices have definitely risen sharply since then but IMO it is still a viable option.