Help me pick a new turntable

Kansas City, MO

Also unless you're been setting up tables/arms/cartridges for a while I'd suggest to use a local dealer. I'm outside of Boston and have a great dealer in NH that does full setups. 

I lived in NH for 16 years and know the dealers there well. You are lucky to be close. I also had very good luck with Goodwins for a couple of purchases.

I have set up multiple tables and arms, but I  am very happy to let the dealer do that.

I always want a dust cover, removable while playing, you could have a custom one made. Successful repositioning, where does it go during play?

Technics adjustable tonearm base is terrific, it can expand to 2 or 3 arms, so don't make the dust cover too small. I just installed that base for a friend on his SP-15. Impressive.

Technics removable headshell to make single arm more versatile.

Others more impressive looking, first impression, don't know anything else about either.

I know you are asking for specific comment on your selections. Please forgive me I want to mention two more ;)

STST Motus II. Low torque direct drive from Germany, also at the lower end of your price range. I wont elaborate because I am their NA agent, and so bias implied. Read up on it though!

CS Port TAT2. Yes above the price range of the others but have seen an as-new one for sale recently on the used market... I have heard the bigger brother TAT1...a magnificent table.