Going to replace my Fluance rt85

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.

I upgraded from an RT85 to a slightly used Rega P3 and and a Moon lp 110 v2 phono stage a year ago. I had no itch to change these two (but everything else).