Advice and recommendations needed for a turntable rig...

@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.

Shoot, I forgot to mention fixmydual.com. Depending on the model they might be able to fix, and improve your inheritance. I think that would be so cool.  again, have fun, that's what it's all about