Just for the record, in more ways than one, I don't think the Pioneer PLX1000 should be classified as "vintage". It's a recent model apparently aimed at undercutting the cost factor of the Technics G series turntables, in that it is cheaper than any of those. So, it's a candidate if you are on a budget, but not in the vintage category. Pioneer did make a very high quality line of DD turntables back in the day, topped by the nonpareil Exclusive P3, which is now very costly if you can even find a good one. Below that was the Exclusive P10 and then the Pioneer line headed by the PL70 MkII, I think. (Chak can correct me if I have the alphanumeric designation wrong.) All of these used coreless motors. These top 3 came with an excellent tonearm, too.
If you were looking for a direct drive turntable ...
Let's say one that cost less than $3K, with cartridge, what would you look at? I'd been thinking about a Technics SL-1200GR, but they seem no longer to be available. Which has led me to the Thorens 403, the Music Hall Stealth, and ...?
Please do help.
Unless, that is, I end up getting a Rega and stick with belt drive.
Thanks for indulging me on my quest, as I'm old and don't have limitless funds.
-- Howard