[S Clark]

https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/vpi-scout-turntable-2017-edition

Save an extra $500 and get this one- VPI scout with jmw9 and ext motor

That may be a great buy, but spending $2200 on a table, when the budget is $1750 for table, cartridge, phono pre, and interconnect???
Sorry but that's not helpful. 

[geowak]

"That may be a great buy, but spending $2200 on a table, when the budget is $1750 for table, cartridge, phono pre, and interconnect???
Sorry but that's not helpful."

Fair enough. VPI makes another table that I would take a strong look at. Table, arm, cartridge and preamp in one.
https://www.turntablelab.com/products/vpi-player-turntable-maple?s=recomatic

Also look at this one from Audio-Technica or this one from Marantz by Clearaudio.
https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turntables/b6cce142475c6940/index.html

https://www.us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ReferenceSeries&ProductId=TT15S1

I could buy any one of these. You would need to add a preamp for the Marantz. Maybe by Project

[johnto]

If you look at gently used equipment here and other forums you should be able to put together a great package. I purchased a VPI Aries Scout fot $900 a Sumiko Blue Point Evo 3 for $250 and a Moon LP 3 for $200 with the balance for interconnects. There is a lot of great used stuff out there much as new.

[sunnydaze]

If you look at gently used equipment here and other forums you should be able to put together a great package. I purchased a VPI Aries Scout fot $900 a Sumiko Blue Point Evo 3 for $250 and a Moon LP 3 for $200 with the balance for interconnects. There is a lot of great used stuff out there much as new.

+1       Good deal.  Similar to the package I posted earlier in terms of value.

Given the outta control and excessive pricing in the high-end, I would never buy analog gear (or any gear for that matter) new.

But I thank those that do.  Their nervosa provides me with great stuff cheap.         

[who?me?]

I'm with @sunnydaze and others that suggest hi end used players.

We are in the "golden age" of audio, IMO, where the equipment has gotten so good with technology,
that used equipment has incredible bang for buck. Buy from a reputable company-VPI< REGA, etc.

VPI and REGA< etc: make excellent hi end gear that is built to last LONGER THAN YOU.

E.g. I have a VPI Scoutmaster II with VPI Annie. tonearm and used Ortofon Black Quintet.
I bought this set up used at %60 of the MSRP ... and it will last the rest of my life.

Suggest you look at the VPI Classic line - USED- Like the "HW" series.

[sunnydaze]

Just another "for example" of what is possible quite reasonably in used markets......

Last year, my buddy bought this setup:









Townshend Rock Mk3 + Rega RB300 arm  -- this was Max's personal show table, circa mid 1990's -- $600 used

Upgrade arm wiring, clips to RCA's -- Incognito, Brit Audio -- $350

Cartridge Man Music Maker 3 cartridge w/ Soundsmith Level 2 retip (ruby cantilever, line contact stylus) -- very low hours -- $500 used

I have this setup in my rack right now and for $1450 total it is tremendous.   Add any of the excellent ~ $300 - $500 phono stages discussed here, and you are right at your budget or maybe a touch more:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=159997.msg1707544#new