seeking turntable recommendations

I like the Systemdek IIX 900 with acrylic platter if can find one. Add an Incognito wired RB-250 tonearm w/Michell Technoweight, Dynavector 10x5, and a decent phono stage. This is a great sounding "budget" turntable setup within your price range. Check the audio forums and review sites regarding the Systemdek. Hope this helps.

VPI HE-19 mk 3 or 4 around 800-900 with arm

easy to set up and work on

Lenco, Lenco, Lenco (L75 or GL75, only). You can get one in restored condition in a nice plinth for that kind of dough. They are wonderful tt's and are bullet-proof. Others might suggest vintage Technics, etc. Actually, there are a lot of good choices out there for you, if you are willing to buy used and/or vintage stuff.

For a little bit more money, you can get the Well Tempered Amadeus. SOTA performance for such a measly sum. I own one and I cannot be happier! Bill Firebaugh is a genius! The Amadeus is special because it virtually emilinates the single most significant problem turntable designers have to tackle: friction! Most turntables, no matter how fancy and complex, have bearings and other friction-prone materials in their spindles and tonearms. The Well-Tempered has none! Once you've heard this "frictionless" performance, other TT's sound murky and opaque by comparison and there's no going back! Before you splurge, I urge you to find a dealer and listen to one. Happy holidays!

Totally agree with everything Aisip said. My Amadeus is amazing!