Linear Tracker ...I was wondering

If it were me looking to get into linear tonearms I would go with a turntable that was designed for that.

Sony's direct drive PS-x555 would be in that price range.
If able to spring for a tad more... the PS-x800 is tits-on-a-ritz.

To put a linear arm on an existing table like the Technics... not sure available linear arms in the price range you're looking at would be worth doing... as far as any improvement on the pivot arm the 1200 came with.

Naaaaah...

The OP is looking for a good linear arm for 1k or under.
He didn't ask which is better... pivot or linear.

Go for it and let us know how it worked out for you.
Have fun.....