I'll second the VPI Scout recommendation - see Art Dudley's review in Stereophile - he was right, VPI knocked this one right out of the park! Right around your budget too!
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!