Looking for a turntable around $1k...

The Pro-ject the classic with 2m silver is right there at your budget. It is $1199, but I’ve seen it go on sale for anywhere between $999 and $1099. It is a fabulous well made solid turntable. The Pro-ject the classic sb @ $1499 will get you the speed box option built in plus either a sumiko blue point or Ortofon quintet red moving coil. You are not going to find a better built or better sounding turntable for the money, unless you buy something used. I own both the classic and the sb and use the Hana el moving coil on one and an ortofon quintet bronze on the other. They sound terrific. Go and read the Michael Fremer review on the Pro-ject the classic sb. He found that it sounded great and believes it to be a great value. In fact, read any review of the Pro-ject the classic turntable, all are positive, some glowing. It has very good isolation properties, a terrific carbon fiber/aluminum 9" tonearm, full adjustability for azimuth, VTA, etc....and a genuine wood plinth in three finishes. Its a Linn on a budget.

Alternatively, the Music Hall MMF-5.3 is a bargain right at about a grand.

That plx 1000 has proven to be junk....it is NOT built like the technics 1200 or whatever...it is cheaply made with a crappy tonearm with loose bearings.

Here are some reviews to keep you busy.
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/pro-ject-classic-sb-superpack-turntable-%E2%80%9Cbrains%E2%80%9...

https://www.whathifi.com/us/pro-ject/classic/review

https://worldofturntables.com/pro-ject-the-classic-complete-review-hearing-test/

https://www.cnet.com/news/pro-jects-turntable-makes-you-want-to-get-up-and-dance/

https://www.audioappraisal.com/pro-ject-classic-turntable-review/

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/pro-ject-the-classic-sb-turntable/

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1218-project-audio-systems-classic-sb-tur...

https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/double-tt-review-pro-jects-the-classic-sb-super-pack-funk-firms-...

If you want good DD under $1000, would you considered vintage? 

I was in the same situation. I wanted a better table and didn’t have the budget to go right for a new Technics, so I found a restored one on ebay and have been very happy with it so far.

You might check out a seller called TurntableTom. He restores a lot of older Technics tables and usually charges $250-450. That leaves plenty of money for a nice budget cart like an AT microline or even something like a KAB Ortofon concorde OM30. Something to consider...

I've owned Regas and Thorens' in the past and could never quite optimize their set-up. If you are knowledgeable and enjoy tweaking and adjusting your turntable, they could be a good choice. A year ago I purchased a Fluance RT85 fitted with the Ortofon Blue 2M. This is a fantastic sounding turntable for the money. It minimizes adjustments and the feet provide very good isolation, so it's quiet. I've also auditioned the MoFi Studiodeck (with the matched StudioTracker cartridge) and thought that was an excellent sounding turntable and would probably be my choice to upgrade. Oh, I'm using a Schiit Mani, also an outstanding value. 

Brand new Technics SL1200 mk7 cost exactly $1000 and this is the best you can get with your budget (in my opinion). If you can expand your budget to $1800 you can even get the next GR model. 

This is about mk7 (and GR is even better): 

"The direct drive motor (D.D. Motor) formed the core of the SL-1200 Series. In addition to providing unparalleled accuracy, the D.D. Motor technology that was introduced in 1970 offered reliability for long-term use with its excellent durability. This further evolved with the SL-1200MK7, and achieved even higher sound quality as the Coreless Direct Drive Motor.

The SL-1200MK7 comes with a static balance S-shaped tonearm to carry on the Technics tradition. The tonearm moves in a unique arc as it tracks the record disc, and reproduces music with high fidelity. The bearing section features a high-precision bearing structure. The tonearm provides high tracking performance without stylus skipping even under hard usage.

Each insulator foot consists of an internal spring and rubber, and the bottom surface is covered with a cushion material. They effectively shut out vibration even in a loud sound environment. If the turntable cannot be set up on a perfectly level surface, its height and inclination can be adjusted by turning individual insulator feet."

As a Rega Planar 3 (newest revision) owner,
I’m settled for now. The spacer recommendation I saw earlier is likely required for many carts. An Ortofon 2M Re is not a good recommendation however. Look at a  a 2M Bronze (better engine and superior stylus shape), or a good Audio Technica in an appropriate price range.