Honestly, a vintage receiver or integrated (like Sansui) with an MM phono input could be had for a few hundred. With older used gear it could be done.
Complete vinyl system, TT to speakers, for $1500?
We just returned from a 2-week visit to our son who lives in Tokyo. While there, we met a nice young woman who told me she would like to acquire an audio system with the express intent of playing LPs in her apartment. Her budget is $1500 or less, as noted. It's been years since I ever had to think in such budget terms, and when I did think about a $1500 system, it was back in the 70s when you could really buy something decent for that total amount. (You could also buy a car for only a little bit more.) So, I am here for advice; she needs TT, tonearm, cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and speakers. Thanks.