If you were looking for a direct drive turntable ...

Chakster mentioned the JVC Victor TT81. I agree.

They also made wonderful 7 layer wood plinths that fit either TT61, 71, 81. Single arm plinth CL-p1; Double Arm Plinth CL-p2, which I have and highly recommend; and a very rare CL-p3 for 3 tonearms.

Here is a very nice TT81 in a Two Tonearm CL-P2 Plinth, in Canada. The unit comes with the long 7082 arm, and seller has a 7045 he will sell separately. Chakster and others here know, and I learned a lot about the plinths, the JVC arms 7082 and 7045.

Anyone interested, I can tell you what I learned. I would get both arms, put new rubber gaskets for the sagging counterweights (which is both inexpensive and easy), and be sitting pretty with a terrific two arm TT, both arms VTA on the Fly, well within your budget.

You can see my TT81, with 3 Tonearms in my system photos here

Chakster mentioned the Luxman PD444, it is a great looking TT, If I had known about it when I bought my JVC Victor, I might have preferred it.

One for a decent price, you would need to add one or two tonearms to this price, and a cartridge

I will say, if the Spinner has issues, there are less Luxman spares around than the TT81, and the TT81 costs less

That TT81 + 7082 arm and CL-P2 plinth is a real bargain at $1500 CAD! If I didn't already have a dozen or more TTs ...

Dear @hodu  : Just forgeret of those opinions about vintage TTs that comes with no warranty of nothing.

The rigth road to go is exactly what you have in mind TECHNICS new units:

Regards and en enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

Last year we shipped super rare and the most complicated Victor TT-101 direct drive to Fidelis Analog for refurbishing and calibration, if you have money it’s not a big deal to make your vintage DD just like new (if there is a problem).