Yes, $1k might get you much further though $1.5K would be better. Turntable and arm are the last place in the chain where you want to save. And forget about the look unless you have a special ability to guess right the performance based on look; it is not impossible but very difficult. I would suggest used too though sometimes you can get a great close out price on new or demo unit. My preference is Nottingham tables.
Step up from music hall 2.1
So I am looking to take a step up from my music hall 2.1 w/ grado gold. I'm using a jolida JD-9 and a jolida 302b powering a pair of Zu omens. I listen to a lot of rock, reggae, and jazz. I'm not opposed to a vintage table but I'm thinking I don't want to mess around with restoration. I'd like to spend less than $1000 but I'm not married to that budget. The most important thing is sound. I live no where near an HiFi dealer so I'm kinda limited to the web. This is why I'm leaning toward a new table that I could send back if needed.