There are a couple nice Rega P5's currently listed in the classified, all under your price point. I've been down the road with the Pro-Ject tables and really like the Rega. No messing around... just good sound!
Turntable recommendations under $1500
I have a Pro-ject 6.9 table with a Shelter 501 Mk11 cartridge. Pretty happy with the sound, but not with the pronounced motor noise. Table is mounted on brackets on a wall, so I'm not mistaking acoustic feedback for motor rumble. Anybody got any suggestions for something that sounds at least comparable but without the motor noise? Thanks!