Best budget turntable?

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….

 I would go with Project all day long over Rega. In fact Rega would be last on my list with the exception of some vintage tables that some on this forum seem to hold in high regard. I havent looked at Music Hall for some time, but I used to think they were a very good value. A used Nottingham Space Deck? 

@jim5559 

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

Do you have the new/current Pioneer PLX 1000? I have the same, with an Audio Technica AT-VM740ML cartridge. It replaced a Pro-Ject Carbon DC Esprit SB w/Ortofon 2M Blue. I prefer the Pioneer.

Yes and 10 carts to play with them, right now using a Denon 110 a very good for 300$

The Grado gold 3 is sweet on it with Classical music , the 3’s are better with all .

Nag 200 is good as need be with anything .

To my ears all AT’s are rock only . Just my ears and I hate rock.

I use my Rega 6 mostly with opera  where it shines .  Sorry I ever wasted 2k on MoFi . Just my ears.