Help…looking to buy turntable

Clearaudio Concept

+1 Rega r3

I got back into vinyl three years ago with aRega P3. Here is one for under your budget but most new are about $1,400. Besides being a great sounding table with many great reviews it's an easy set up. I'm using a Rega preamp, about $400 I think. 

https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/rega-planar-3-turntable

For a TT I'd actually stay away from used unless you're getting a demo or open box from a dealer. Buy something new from a company that does that price point well. Personally, I'd go with a Pro-ject debut carbon evo or X1 in that range. They're a good starting spot around 1k and have some upgrade options. They come all set up so you basically drop thr platter on and play. Come with a solid cartridge and upgraded tonearm. 

Not sure what the rest of your system is but make sure you have a phono stage. If not, spend 100 on a Mani from Schitt or a phono box from pro-ject to start.

You used to be able to buy a music hall mmf-7.3 for about 1400 bucks in black with cartridge....now you will pay 2k....I’ll fourth the music hall mmf-5.3. The design has been out there for a long time and it’s a great table for the money, except for lack of button operated speed change as mentioned. For direct drive, I’d say the technics mk7....however, you will need to buy and install a cartridge.

There is also a much cheaper alternative to both, in the music hall classic turntable. It has a nice wood plinth, a uni pivot tonearm, Auto lift end of side, switchable built in preamp, electronic speed control, and a decent installed and Aligned cartridge on a removable headshell. It was $599, not sure what it is now...it often goes on sale....it is pretty astonishing what you get for that kind of money in the music hall the classic turntable. Then you will have a bunch of cash left to buy some records!