Advice and recommendations needed for a turntable rig...

@2psyop 

If you want to see what vinyl play is like today but are a bit unsure how it will sound, Fluance TT's have a range of players which include the TT, arm, and cartridge.  If you go to at least the RT82, it will give you a good sounding system if you upgrade the cartridge one notch.  Step up to the top of the line RT85 and you get the upgraded platter, cartridge.  You could buy a better version of a phono preamp and save a lot of money.  The RT85 sells for only $500 delivered to your door.  The plinth on the RT82 on up is all wood.  I have a very high end system and my best friend bought the RT82 w/ upgraded cartridge.  We had about 5 people go listen to this system and were amazed at the authentic sound quality it provided.  Do yourself a favor and look up their TT's on line.  This system would keep you involved for many years and maybe more.  You could have it set up within about 20 minutes of getting it out of the box.  The price seems like a misprint, but these babies are for real.  I've had many very good turntable/arm combos.  The Fluance TT's will make you feel foolish for what very good tables cost.  I wish I were kidding about the SQ and the looks, but they are for real.  Rated the Best Buy in TT/arm/cartridge combos.  My TT weighs in at 120 lbs.  It sounds fantastic when all is working well.  My cartridge costs over $2500 alone.  The only drawback is you can't use most high end cartridges with the Fluance arms.  The cartridge they use is very good sounding.  You will not have much to brag about because of the price, but the SQ will make up for it.  Put the extra money into a much better phono preamp.  If you have never heard one of the upper end Fluance TT's, don't bash it on price or prestige, just because it costs a fraction of what many have invested in their analog setups.  

Bob

@2psyop I've used Technics TTs for almost 40 years.  In the 80's, I started with an SL-1200 and still have a SL-1600M2 that I purchased in 1984.  In my main system, I have a SL-1200G.  The build quality is impeccable, and, like all higher end Technics TTs, it is built like a tank. 

An SL-1200G with MC cartridge and phono pre is over your budget, but Technics has others that will.  Take a look at this one: Technics SL1200GR2 Direct Drive Turntable

@grk   Life's too short.  Have a nice day.

You might want to look at this turntable from music direct Denon - DP-3000NE Direct Drive Turntable - Music Direct

heavy turntable that has had good reviews with a removable head shell if you want or need to change cartridges.

Neither Music Hall or Pro Ject have a mass leading design philosophy, they focus on lightness and reduced vibration.. They are different companies but do share some manufacturing space...

I no longer own one, but I agree that a Technics is probably the way to go. There are used ones, and the upper third, or so, of the range get the new motor. The brand has a great track record (not counting the late 80's and 90's... but they weren't the only ones to throw in the towel.  I forgave them, a little, long ago). They built their rep on dependable, rugged yet sophisticated direct drive TT's. The standard tonearm is effective, and (at least it used to be) easy to set up. The exchangeable head shells (basically the SME system) are convenient, but some people look down their noses. For myself, I don't care for the DJ knobs and features, but they seem to be part of the DNA. If I had a $3500 budget, I think I'd go for one of the GEM Dandy Poly TT's  (today). I wouldn't get too carried away with an expensive first TT, good, but not necessarily great. I'm a record collector first, so I would suggest a big portion of your budget is focused on the library. I have a U Turn Theory with a 2M Bronze which is maybe the best TT for 1K. I'm using a dedicated TT for stereo and mono in the main system, both MC carts, MM in the 2 upstairs systems. I have a couple of Kenwood KD TT's. There's a Denon auto in the system right now. I have a Dual 721, a Thorens 165 and a Realistic 420 on the healing bench. I also would suggest you start out with a Moving Magnet cartridge to get in the groove (sorry). MC carts can be a bit fiddley and frustrating as a first exposure, and maybe not so suitable for heavy daily use.. There are some amazing MM carts out there,  Don't neglect record cleaning (which is actually my hobby, the record hoarding is just the excuse to get material in the house). Get Fremmer's TT set up DVD. Have fun. See you in the record store.... someone has to support the artists out there being streamed.---- I think the corporations will survive the streaming craze, and if we get going with AI we won't have to worry about the musicians any more.