I found myself in your exact position not too long ago. What is the rest of your system like? I would recommend that you buy used so that you can try out a table without losing too much if you decide you want to sell at a later date.
I initially bought an older VPI jr in your price range and played around with it for a few months before I decided it wasnt for me. I then tried out a Michell Tecnodec and came to the same conclusion (plus couldnt justify the price). Finally I ended up with the Technics SL-1210 and I do not think it was a downgrade at all.
I'm not saying that you should rush out and get a Technics, but dont discount it either. See if you can sample at least a couple tables in your price range before you come to a conclusion.
Some places you can visit in the DC area are United Home Audio (they carry pro-ject and clearaudio), Gifted Listener (Rega tables), and Deja Vu (a lot of exotic analog stuff).
I initially bought an older VPI jr in your price range and played around with it for a few months before I decided it wasnt for me. I then tried out a Michell Tecnodec and came to the same conclusion (plus couldnt justify the price). Finally I ended up with the Technics SL-1210 and I do not think it was a downgrade at all.
I'm not saying that you should rush out and get a Technics, but dont discount it either. See if you can sample at least a couple tables in your price range before you come to a conclusion.
Some places you can visit in the DC area are United Home Audio (they carry pro-ject and clearaudio), Gifted Listener (Rega tables), and Deja Vu (a lot of exotic analog stuff).