In the Pro-Ject line, I would not go any lower than the Debut Carbon Esprit SB. Big benefit is the built in speed box and acrylic platter. But that's a couple hundred over your budget. It's a solid entry level TT. But I found the included Ortofon 2M Red cart way too bright. When I had one, I swapped out the Ortofon for a Nagaoka MP110. So another $100 there.
$400 isn't a lot to get started with. Might be better to wait and buy a better TT, otherwise you may be upgrading it in 6 months.
$400 isn't a lot to get started with. Might be better to wait and buy a better TT, otherwise you may be upgrading it in 6 months.