Probably not what you had in mind, but In the past year I purchased a Technics SP10 MKII for $215 and SME 3012 Series II for $415 (both from eBay). Spent around $40 on birch ply to build a plinth. Mounted a Denon DL103R ($200) and I run it through a Denon AU-320 transformer ($85 from Doc Bottlehead's stash) and Hagerman Cornet (purchased on Audgiogon for around $300.) While I have never used a high-end belt drive, the Technics replaced a Thorens TD-124 which in turn replaced a AR belt drive (mid 80's version); each was a step-up from what it replaced, and I am very happy where I am now with my bargain basement phono set up. The Technics has to be the best bargain around. They still go pretty cheap because they made so many of them (most for broadcasting and studios,) but if they were made today they would probably have to charge at least $3,000.
If you plan to use MM or a high compliance MC, I think the often overlooked SME III arms are great bargains. They don't (yet) attract the collectors who have bid up the price of the earlier SME's.
If you plan to use MM or a high compliance MC, I think the often overlooked SME III arms are great bargains. They don't (yet) attract the collectors who have bid up the price of the earlier SME's.