Analog upgrade path for less than $1200

If there is nothing wrong with your SL-1300 and its arm, you might consider getting a better cartridge and phono preamp. If you were thinking of getting a "new" table/arm/cartridge combo for less than $1200 that will beat what you have now it could be tough sledding.

I don't know what cartridges will mate well with your arm (low compliance, medium compliance, high compliance), but I suspect it will be high compliance. You need to figure that out and then decide whether you are going the MM or MC route. Your cartridge will dictate what type of phono preamp you need unless you go for a high output MC and then the preamp requirements will be the same. Cartridges are such a personal choice.

Since Raul has heard every cartridge known to man and even some that aren't, I am sure he could tell you exactly what cartridge and phono section you should buy that would go perfect with your table.