Complete vinyl system, TT to speakers, for $1500?

I’d get a Music Hall or Pro-Ject turntable, install an Ortofon 2M MM cartridge, (available at different price points), a Rega Io integrated amplifier (has built-in MM phono preamp and headphone amp), and a pair of bookshelf speakers. The Rega Io (30Wpc) will produce great sound for an apartment and could even make the move into a small house; the Io will take two more source components beyond the turntable, so easy to eventually add a CD player and music streamer (or one of the tiny DAC units that connects a laptop to a stereo system). This is my setup for my kid’s first apartments.

My son's SO has a Fluance "all in one" TT, amp, speakers.  I looked at it sideways, as in "I got one of these for Christmas 60 years ago".  Had a hint of bass, but the rest of it was all there.  Not sure, but would bet that it was one of their cheapest offerings.

Regards,

barts

Here’s a system I own and it sounds stellar. Being a musician, I know what music should sound like. Orbit w/Grado Black-$450. Proton D540 integrated amp (high current. 6db of headroom. Sister company to NAD back in the mid ’80’s) $159. Dahlquist DQ10 $375 Found the 10's on FB Marketplace!!! Mint and one owner.. I also have an older JVC CD player....$5 at a garage sale. That’s under 1K and I’d put it up against any $5K system of today. But not feasible for a tiny apartment in Japan. But it can be done.

Look for a Japanese brand name integrated with an MM input. Denon does one for around 400-500 US. Add a Project or Rega (buy here, ship there) entry level TT, she can then add a pair of good bookshelf speakers and be right in that range. Cart swaps etc. can be done if desired at a later date. The integrated amplifier start gives room to grow if desired.

Something like this automatic turntable with built-in optional RIAA

https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/automatic-turntables-turntables-with-automatic-operation/products/pioneer-pl-30-k-automatic-turntable

An integrated Amp, already in Japan

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165033979424?hash=item266ccaae20%3Ag%3Aan4AAOSwlQddTTC-&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4LdsFKcPj80OgidQPACkhx0fJiZwhRVurCajSw3DxMpVq%2FBMagaTEoAhFQ3pdjSrjB4uRyX1a6YCAL5SAeiG8OE9rzcqC8d3G2e62V%2FGDbMAlxPSwlp2aXNBaFYKy9jR41wp7Yx79lHJpbADLUkqMq%2BWIqfbGVQZ7Ki2I%2FclKO0%2BKxCM7JZjUJoDzRg0ueKZ7Ehzmr2VLo%2F7WTF4fzo1u8dn5IdKj8s%2FxDuvSNPY41ruGojcR6Qubqlba9gTrCTh1SLHLW5f%2BZigQmJ5nJ84rsEOHLwSqpQc%2FsqvGDO0OR0c%7Ctkp%3ABFBMsPe39JBi&LH_ItemCondition=1000

balance of budget: pick a pair of efficient speakers that fit the space/visual preference/NO PORTS!