help choosing a turn table

@grislybutter , “a $1500 turntable won't compete with 10K turntables.”

+1 one must compare apples to apples.

I vote, again, for the Orbit Theory. It's made in the USA with USA components. Solid wood plinth, cast magnesium arm, simple and accessible electronic speed control (33 & 45) and on/ off switch which has great knob feel. Three (easy to level, level included) feet, optional phono stage if you need (and easy to by-pass if you don't) and you can upgrade to the Ortofon 2m Bronze (installed and aligned from the factory, the 2m Blue is standard). You will want to upgrade the phono leads (RCA), and the dust cover hinges seem a little cheap, but serviceable. You should be able to keep within your budget and you can deal directly with the factory and they are good people, too... I replaced a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC in my third system and I couldn't be happier.

Look at the VPI Cliffwood (made in the USA) for $1499---it usually comes with an Orofon Red which is easily upgraded to a Blue if you want. Very well made and great customer service if you ever need them.

Another vote for the Technics 1500c (or the 100 and a separate phono stage).

I bought the 1500 about a year ago and love the sound. I have a Nagaoka mp 110 and will be swapping that in soon. The 2M red is probably the only weakness. I am using the internal phono stage in lieu of the built in stage on my nad 3050le. 

I suggest adding an Expressimo Audio counterweight and brass stub .

I have used the original under counterweight and was surprised at the difference it made , the lower frequencies were improved in clarity .