[nature boy]

I have a friend who is looking to purchase a new turntable.  He's looking for recommendations for a solid turntable/MM cartridge combination for around $1K.  Its been a while since I've listened to new entry level offerings, so please share your thoughts and suggestions.

NB

[Folsom]

Well there's not much of anything in the price range. A Rega RP3 or VPI Scout Jr. are about it.

I'd consider hunting on eBay for a redone table. Like this, if it's nice it's much better option. Perhaps these are nice, Thoren

[groovybassist]

Might be interesting to check out.

-Mike

http://www.vpiindustries.com/cliffwood

[Mr Peabody]

The Rega P3 is a good value.  I used an older P3 for years trouble free.  Could be a pain if the person wanted to play 45 rpm, mine you had to lift off the platter to change the belt to another pulley.  Great though if just, once set up, no fuss.  Interesting too the arm on the P3 people buy and use on many higher end tables.  It really is a leader at it's price.

Pro-Ject is said to be a leader in the entry level price points and could be worth a look.

If he could stretch the budget or find one on sale the Marantz Reference table is another great value.  Built for them by Clearaudio and comes with one of their carts.

[OzarkTom]

AR tt and arm with the cheap Grado cartridge is a best buy. Will compare to the Linn LP12 or modded Thorens with expensive ams.

[Charles Calkins]

  Rega P3 with an audio by van Alstine Grado longhorn Gold cartridge. A couple of bucks over your budget but the results are worth it.

                                                                        Cheers
                                                                    Charlie

[earwig]

I used old Linn Axis turntable with Linn Basic lv-10 Tonearm was the best and cheapest turntable I ever saw.Thought it sounded much better than the Linn Lp12 with Vallhalla to my ears actually.

[dB Cooper]

Orbit with cueing and acrylic platter upgrades, and a top of the line Van Alstine-modded Grado cart will set you back < $900, and unlike the pre-owned options mentioned, will come with warranties on both.

[Mr Peabody]

I've wondered how the Orbit compares to similar priced tables.  The P3 used to run around $900.00 new but haven't priced one in a while.

Sota, a U.S. company out of IL also has an over achiever right around $900.00 but I forget the model.

[jarcher]

Project The Classic turntable is $1099 with cartridge and comes in a choice of three wood finishes. Has a classic warmer sound & projects are pretty bulletproof. Hard to get initially but I think the stock situation has improved a lot recently.

[mr_bill]

2016 Rega Planar 3
Upgrade motor and belt.

[rotarius]

Yes, Rega P3 is a sweet sounding deck, nice arm.  It may be a tad overpriced for what it is in term of build quality.  I mean all three Rega decks I have owned had the power switch arcing issue (well known) that always sent a pop through the speakers.  On one of them, the pop was loud enough I had to install a capacitor across the switch and that solved the problem.  Why this company won't install a 50 cent capacitor is beyond me.  One has to spend quite a bit more in upgrades (subplatter, belt, isolation, etc.) to make it a serious deck.  My solution was a Technics Sl1200 with armboards to mount the Rega as well as Jelco 750D arms.  Both fantastic combos.
I read good things about the Pioneer PLX1000, might be the best value under a grand.

[nature boy]

Thanks for the suggestions folks.  I've passed on a few to my friend for further consideration.

NB