You will periodically hear about build issues with the Music Halls. In your price range, I would wholeheartedly recommend Rega. Better arm, and I've never heard of a build concern. You could certainly get a P2 and decent cart with that money, perhaps even a 3. Or one of the clones, the NAD 533 or Moth. They come with Goldring cartridges premounted. I have the NAD and it is utterly noiseless.
Quiet,cheap table: under $500 new or used....
Looking for a very quiet, reliable table in this range...prefer to go new...but will risk going used if the gain is worth it...any suggestions? Thinking MusicHall mmf-5 at the moment...cheers