Going to replace my Fluance rt85

I vote for the Orbit Theory, which starts out a buck under 1K. Made in USA, you can order direct with or without phono stage. It comes with a tapered cast magnesium arm, and you can up grade to Ortofon Bronze cartridge. The Theory features a solid wood plinth, and triangle feet layout. The feet are above price point, IMHO. I bought one to replace a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon in my third system. The only two minor complaints I have are the cheap dust cover hinges, (they seem to work and are holding up well) and you must buy a replacement belt, (as far as I know) from Orbit. If you like to tinker, consider a used Thorens, for which there is great parts support, and service manuals can be down loaded from <vinylengine.com>. You will find a wide range of models out there that will fit under your price cap from "entry level" to true audiophile. I bought a Thorens TD 165 series 1 as a project, I have about $500 total into it so far which includes, new belt upgrade phono leads, and suspension springs. It has impressed me for the bang for buck. . .... Good luck

I like the Pro-ject X8 evolution. Look up

Michael Fremer's review on youtube. Killer table just slightly above your budget.

Thank you @cpdkee. I just recently last night was looking at the Mofi turntables and they seem very nice.  The newer Thorens 1500 and 1600 are out of my price range new but will keep an eye out for used.  For now, I think I may try to upgrade my Phono stage to a used Parasound JC 3 Jr, or the like and maybe next year go for the new turntable.  I am not convinced my $200 Ifi Zen is giving me all the detail my Ortofon blue and Fluance is extracting.  The whole cartridge, phono stage and table and arm relationship is a hard one to crack as far as upgrades go when you have a budget.  But that is why they call this a hobby.  Listening to my music is much more fun. 

I fully agree that a used TT will get get you better value for the money. Once you decide on the TT I would then shop to upgrade the phono stage to match the turntable you got. As a principle, IMHO it is better to start with the source and work on the value chain based on your sound preferences…and pocket limitations.

good luck!

Generally, why is the Technics SL1200G given more mention than the SL100C, which is $1099.00 vs $1799.00?  They seem to have almost identical motors, arms and performance.  The 1200 has DJ features most of us here are not in need of.  OP can get an SL100C and a Bronze stylus under budget and be off to the vinyl races.