Pro-Ject X1

I wanted to focus on the X1 though because I feel like it's a great value. For $500 less than the X2, you get such a high quality design and performan...

So there we have it. We've assembled it, we've set its tracking force and we've added to the counterweight. We're now ready to go

Pro-Ject X1 ( pick it 2S MM ). The versatility and upgradability of the NR1200 is amazing and it sounds pretty decent too! Practically a Swiss knife 😁. Further down the line would add a Yamaha A-S1200 ( or similar ) for amplification and phono stage, would use the NR1200 as preamp.

Solid hi-fi, but not getting into fart-sniffing audiophile territory. It sounds good. Pretty much all of my vinyl that's in good condition gives a sonic experience that is as good as or better than a good streaming source (Tidal Hifi or Spotify Premium high quality) for the most part. I could probably spend another grand to upgrade the turntable to something like a Pro-Ject X1 and get a bit more dynamic range/less noise because of the improved bearing setup for the platter and the better tonearm.

Bluetooth as well. Novelty with a good degree of quality with the Pro-Ject.

I personally have the Pro-Ject X1 which sits in your budget. No problems so far in about 8 months of usage, and have the 2M black on it now. I have heard about some issues on Pro-Ject models, but I wonder if any manufacturer can be completely free of faulty units. There's also the new Orbit Theory from U-Turn, that seems about equivalent in price and specs to the Pro-Ject X1.