Best TT under $1k

If you can find a nice clean Rega like a early P3 for a good price like $450 or so, then you can get your foot in the door.
 Then you can shop all the various upgrades that are out there.
Each upgrade can make for a nice improvement and can make it pretty interesting and fun at the same time !

Awhile back, I was thinking about either selling my upgraded Rega P5 or continue to add mods to it and even posted a thread here on AudiogoN asking opinions/suggestions on which way to go.
I`ve added a number of upgrades since and I`m no longer looking to sell at the moment.

In car terms, if my stock Rega P5 was a Big Block Chevy 454" the current version is like a  540" and now the only thing that originally came from GM is just the block.

So it`s not really a Chevy motor anymore but what a massive improvement in performance !

Same thing now goes for my P5, about the only thing left that`s Rega is the plinth/motor with the upgraded Rega TTPSU.

It`s technically no longer a Rega but who cares..it`s been fun building it little by little and hearing what each addition 'brings to the table'...pun totally intended :)
Doing it that way, made for a nice learning experience and each step showed improvement. Some subtle, some NOT !

In it`s current form I`d put it up against a VPI or Rega RP8/10 though I`ve heard neither :) 

In short....The Rega tables have a great aftermarket upgrade path that will allow you to move up at your own pace and enjoy each step of the way.