Turntable/Arm/Cart for Classic Rock; $1500 budget

I have a Basis 1400 with Origin Live Silver tonearm/Ortofon Rondo Bronze. Using with a Naim system (Nait XS/CD5x/Stageline). The Basis 1400 is a great TT for less than $1000 used (add a $500 cartridge). Great sound on Rock and Jazz.

I agree with Smholl. I started out with a Basis 1400 TT, with a RB 300 tone arm. Used, that cost me around $1,000.
There are a couple for sale here on Audiogon for less than that, (although they don't come with a Basis clamp, which I recommend highly that you get.)

As far as cartridges, I started out with a Benz Micro Glider 2 cartridge, which while good, I would not necessarily recommend. (But for someone else, this just might be the ticket.) My taste in cartridges changed after awhile, and I found that prefer both a more musical cartridge, (the Glider was kind of analytical for my tastes), and I like deeper, darker backgrounds than the Glider provided.) I eventually went to a Koetsu Black, (great mid-range, but the treble and bass are a bit rolled off), then to a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, (the treble is more extended, but the bass was still a bit loose), and then to a Shelter 90X, (which has incredible bass, a well extended treble, but with only decent black backgrounds.)

I eventually ended up with the Dynavector XV-1S, which is the cartridge I have determined is the best for me - i.e. I have quit looking for any other cartridge! (It has great bass response, a very well extended and refined treble response, and a lovely mid-range. It images and soundstages incredibly well, and it has the deep, dark backgrounds that I demand. So, since you decided to check out a Dynavector cartridge, and while I have not heard their less expensive cartridges, based upon my research, I think that is a good choice.

Good Luck in your search!

PS Don't forget to buy a vacuum Record Cleaning Machine for drying your just cleaned records. (Even a cheap Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor works fine). I still use my old manual NG 1.0, and it does a great job.
As far as cleaning brushes and fluids, the Disk Doctor brushes, (or MoFi brushes) are very good, and I like the MoFi Super Vinyl Record Cleaner.

You should know that the Dynavector DV-20x while widely considered a great sounding cart..( I use one) it's attributes include a rather laid back midrange perspective and thus may not be your best choice for Classic rock. On my VPI Classic it does great with Jazz and classical, but not the best choice for hard hitting classic rock. Id look at a more forward presentation like the Clearaudio Aurum Beta or even the Dyna 10x5 which is a bit more forward in sound. You cant go wrong with the venerable VPI Scout, but a Rega P3 will do well also. The Sim Audio phono is a very good choice.

When that long lost vinyl fever for classic albums from my youth resurfaced, I seriously began to look at TTs. It took me awhile to get over the sticker shock for new rigs. I just coudn't understand forking over $1k for a 'starter' kit! I was patient and scored an used AR ES-1 with an Audioquest PT5 and sorbo mat at a local used record shop for under $300. Very nice condition, vintage 80s table which I hoped would take me back to the days! It had an AQ cart w/ no stylus. So I picked up an Ortonfon OM10 Super with upgrade stylus to tide me over until I found a decent cartridge. I read, then re-read Raul's post many times. Meanwhile, I was living very contently with the OM10.
I was seriuosly leaning to a Nagaoka 500 when an used 2M Black came my way. Very happy now. I may want to get a 'better' table, such as a nice VPI or Clearaudio, some day; but for now I'm quite satisfied spending my spare change buying used records, cleaning them up and then enjoying them.

BTW, very nice phono stage! I have the little brother: Sim audio LP3.

My suggestion, for what it's worth: find a nice condition table from the mid 80s such as a Thorens or AR for starters. Next, a decent MM cartridge (partial to these as they are the 'sound' I recalled from my youth). Save a bundle and then blow it on vinyl. In the end, it's all about the music, not the gear.

Cheeers and good luck

The Basis 1400 would be my choice with the Benz ACE cart. If you can find a used 2000 series TT they are upgradable, but then, with your budget you may have to compromise on the cart a little, but you can always upgrade that in the future. I like Benz carts. My Ace works great with all music (and I listen to a lot of classic rock also) and isn't analytical -it's rather on the warm side with great mids...Maybe my CJ EV-1 phono pre has something to do with that.