Need help with a forced downgrade

Used P3 and call it a day...

Get the 1200 - a classic and better resale value. Don't buy until you sell the VPI. You could be left with both.

I have a guy locally that has a Technics SL1200 M3d and a SL1700MKII. Both look to be in near mint condition. He is asking  $500 for the 1200 and $350 for the 1700. If I understand they have the same arm and motor. The difference is the 1700 is suspended and semi auto otherwise essentially the same? Would a 2M Black be a good match or ditch it for a cart that matches the arm better. My PS1 is MM only. I could also dich the PS1 for an inexpensive MM/MC phono.

Schiit Sol and Mani. The Pioneer PLX1000 is worth a shot too.

Get the Pioneer direct drive for around the price mentioned. 

I’d sell the 2M Black and PS1 and keep the table. Neither will make a $600 TT sound great. In the meantime go with a less expensive cart (like a Denon DL-103) used for less than $200 and a Schiit Mani for $129 new until you have funds to invest back into your analog rig.

Maybe this suggestion doesn't yield enough funds compared to selling the VPI?  Understood if that's the case.