turntable choice

Don't think you can do better than this for $500 with an Ortofon Blue. Backordered now, but worth the wait. May give you time to save that extra $100. : https://www.fluance.com/rt85w-reference-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-natural-walnut

I started with a Project Debut 3 ( last model made before the Debut Carbon ) when I got back into vinyl about 7 months ago and really liked it. Great for the price and comes with a good cartridge. I have since upgraded to a MOFI Ultradeck +M which is excellent but much more expensive. I really enjoyed that project though, and it made me really appreciate vinyl again. If it wasn't for that I never would have bought the Ultradeck.

I flip turntables as a hobby and have sold numerous turntables to people in your situation.  Quality vintage decks can definitely be had in your price point, but honestly, if you don’t know what you are looking for, you can end up with a turntable that needs work that you may not have originally bargained for.  People may heckle your $400 price point, but if that is where you are budget wise, don’t be ashamed to stick to it.  Vinyl is a slippery slope.  If you really get into it, this will not be your last turntable.  The turntable you purchase may be the steppingstone to something higher end, or help you determine vinyl isn’t for you (that would be most unfortunate).  Bang for the buck, the Debut Carbon is hard to beat.  The U-Turn was mentioned in an earlier post.  The U-Turn sounds shockingly good for its simplicity, but I think overall, The Pro-Ject will take you further on your vinyl journey.  The 2M Red on the Debut Carbon is a good Swiss Army knife cartridge that will will be a good start on your vinyl journey.  The one thing I would recommend changing on the table off the start is to get rid of the silly felt may and get a good rubber cork mat from Sleeve City.  Other mats are fine too.  An earlier post recommended getting a carbon brush etc.  That is very wise council.  I consider a good record brush and a stylus cleaner non negotiables.  There are numerous good brushes out there.  As far as a stylus cleaner, use a Zerodust style cleaner.  Skip the stylus brush.  A turntable amplifies the information it is given.  You could have the most expensive turntable in the world, but dirty records sound like dirty records.  Keeping everything meticulously clean will give the best opportunity to let your music shine without distracting ticks and pops.  Whatever you go with, enjoy the music and keep it spinning.

Thanks tborg I’m definitely interested in the project and I will take your advice. I’m also following g a musichall MMF 2.3 le. 

I’m told that is a comparable table. 

Also  never got rid of my vinyl I’ve hauling it around through several moves. I was a record fanatic when younger and worked in stores and a huge one stop in Chicago where I built a lot of my collection so after many years I get to gear it again.