Best budget turntable?

Look for a clean one owner Rega P3. Be sure it has the original box for safe shipping and resale value later on if you decide to move up the line.

The Rega has a great aftermarket upgrade path that will definitely improve the sound with each step of the way.

Here`s a couple ideas in the upgrade department:

Groovetracer Subplatter..the difference is so very clear right out of the box !

Rega NEO power supply...surprising what it does.

The list can go on and on as budget allows.

Buy everything 'right' ( meaning used if you can wait) and make sure to keep all the factory boxes, that way you could even sell off each item if you wanted and not lose much at all or  you could even make a couple dollars in the end and have fun along the way. 

Rega makes good sounding tables but with Rega you run into lack of flexibility with adjustments. You’re going to need to be carefully matching a cartridge to arm for VTA or potentially use spacers. In either case it’s a pain and you’re loosing that last bit of fine tuning which could be important. 
I think a used Clearaudio Concept, Marantz TT-15 or MoFi Studio Deck may be some of the better choices. Just a thought….

I have a Rega 6 and  a MoFi best  and a Pioneer 1000  .

Buy the Pioneer and play with carts .

Won't have to worry about MoFi  fix it, they have none .

pretty much a pointless exercise because you are going to get a million and one answers based on what people own and be no wiser than when you started. Also depends entirely on whether you are willing to go second hand.

As always the only way to decide is to ask yourself what you want out of a tt, shortlist those that will fulfil your requirements then go out there and listen for yourself. Getting people to decide for you is a one way trip to dissatisfaction..

If you can increase your budget, Echo Audio in Portland has a used Pro-Ject RPM 10.1 EVO with a decent cartridge for under $2K. At your current budget you may just scratch the itch and find yourself upgrading sooner than later. The Pro-Ject isn't an end game table by any means, but it's pretty nice.  

I also agree with this: 

I think a used Clearaudio Concept, Marantz TT-15 or MoFi Studio Deck may be some of the better choices. Just a thought….