Find a cherry condition Linn Sondek (Valhalla/Cirkus level) table with an Itok LVII arm and mount a Shelter 901. It will be hard to find a more enjoyable sounding configuration for less.
The table and arm are important, but probably the biggest impact on the sonic characteristics you will hear is going to come from the cartridge. The Shelter 901 is a wonderful cartridge: deep, tight, extended bass, beautiful midrange, gorgeous highs, open and airy, great transient attack and decay, and a very good tracker at a decent setting (about 1.6g and certainly no more than 2.0g). The cartridge is going to set you back 900 to 1300 or so. A very good Linn/Linn should fit within the balance of your budget, and the Shelter 901 likes the Linn arm. You will find lots of VPI, Basis, and other fans on Agon, but you will also find a lot of Linn fans; the Linn table has stood the test of time. It is a classic that has done it's share to preserve enthusiasm for LPs. If you ever decide to try something else it shouldn't be difficult to find a buyer for the Linn/Linn - perhaps for near what you will pay for it.
The table came in various wood finishes; go for whatever you like; the dust cover came in a tinted/smoked version and a clear version - go for the clear.
The table and arm are important, but probably the biggest impact on the sonic characteristics you will hear is going to come from the cartridge. The Shelter 901 is a wonderful cartridge: deep, tight, extended bass, beautiful midrange, gorgeous highs, open and airy, great transient attack and decay, and a very good tracker at a decent setting (about 1.6g and certainly no more than 2.0g). The cartridge is going to set you back 900 to 1300 or so. A very good Linn/Linn should fit within the balance of your budget, and the Shelter 901 likes the Linn arm. You will find lots of VPI, Basis, and other fans on Agon, but you will also find a lot of Linn fans; the Linn table has stood the test of time. It is a classic that has done it's share to preserve enthusiasm for LPs. If you ever decide to try something else it shouldn't be difficult to find a buyer for the Linn/Linn - perhaps for near what you will pay for it.
The table came in various wood finishes; go for whatever you like; the dust cover came in a tinted/smoked version and a clear version - go for the clear.