Looking for a entry level audiophile turntable

I'd look hard at the Marantz at $1595 with Clearaudio ebony tonearm and matching Clearaudio ebony-bodied cartridge. A factory matched and mounted package is a smart way to start when you're getting into it for the first time (or the first time in a long time).

Another nomination would be the Funk turntable from Funk Firm ($859 + tonearm), and have Funk add the tonearm that fits your budget. It would be a Rega-based tonearm to fit your budget. The Funk is highly reviewed for having an unusual amount of drive and pace for its price.

You could definitely get a competitive package based on a Technics SL1200. The way to simplify it would be to have kabusa.com prepare a turntable for you. I would recommend the SL1200 mk2 with KAB fluid damper (+$150) and tonearm rewire ($+169). Consider the tonearm rewire mandatory unless you go upmarket and get the SL1210 M5G, which has audibly better tonearm wire (over the SL1200). You could have Kevin mount a Goldring 1022 or 1042 cartridge.

Then get some Threaded Brass Heavyfeet (thread size M6) from Mapleshade. These are direct screw-in replacements for the Technics feet. This is all well within your budget. The damped tonearm with rewire is surprisingly competitive, and when properly isolated, the Technics DD platform provides a very low noise platform with excellent speed accuracy and stability.

The Rega P5 is also a good candidate with a really excellent tonearm (RB700) at this price point.

I too own a VPI Scout and find that it is excellent. I also own a MMF-5 which was a very inexpensive table with a decent Goldring cart. The price has gone bezerk and I cant say it's worth the money compared to a NEW Scout.
The Scout is in another league and probably twice the price used ---
But There is a well known mail order Audio Equipment internet (Dot Com) based retailer, Music Direct. They are having an authorized VPI "B" stock sale. The prices quoted on todays newsletter will easily fit within your budget. They say there are very, very, small blems on the plinth or arm. If you can live with that, get the package deal. I bought mine set up that way with the JMW-9 arm and a Dynevector 20X H High output MC cartridge.
They discontinued the high output dynevector 20X but may have gone with the newer "medium" output 20X or a different cartridge altogether. At the time it cost $600 alone for that cartridge if you bought it separately.
The pre installed cartridge package wasn't listed but tells you to call. If that brings it over 1,500 a bit I would do it anyway it's so called "satisfaction garanteed". That is for a truly audiophile level turntable albeit entry level. They are selling new TTs, not refurbed, or misused by someone, who bought it from another someone etc.
You should be aware that you will need a good phono stage to match, if you don't have a phono input on your preamp or integrated. It is an extremely important bit of gear.
That is another matter altogether.
Good luck.
I wish I was associated with the retailer named but have no connection to them whatsoever.

I'll be the 3rd to chime in about the KAB Technics. It's a fantastic bang for the buck, built like a tank, and easy to set up and configure. I have no real desire to spend more money on a turntable now that I have one. It sounds great to me.

Michael

Dollar for dollar and with regards to value, the Music Hall MMF-5 smokes the VPI Scout.

So does the KAB.

So does the Marantz.

Regas are decent values but VPI is overpriced for almost every model. And in the Scout series you're stuck with the JMW-9 tonearm. A notorious underachiever.

"Audiofeil
Dollar for dollar and with regards to value, the Music Hall MMF-5 smokes the VPI Scout."

Hmmm.

Bill,
I had a MMF-7.1 and I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Never could get that thing to sound right..... Sounded dead, lazy....

I'd be tempted to go the Sota or the P5 route.

In fact, I know I will be upgrading my tt in the future, again. At this point I'm leaning towards the Sota Sapphire or maybe the Nova. Arm? Well, that's another thread....