Sent Back the Pro-ject Turntable: What would be the best option in the $1800 range?

The SL1500C is simplified and made in China
The SL1200GR is much better and made in Japan, the difference is not big to buy the right one from the start. You can always try to find gently used SL1200GR for lower price, many audiophiles sell them to upgrade to the G (the best in this series). 

My friend just replaced his older SOTA with the Technics SL-1210GR and he is a happy trooper!!

Sent you a PM earlier.

Get the GR. Stick it on your credit card. You won't notice in a year but you'll be happy you did. 

The most notable difference between the 1500 / 1200G.
SL-1500: Starting Torque, 1.8 kg / cm.
SL-1200G Starting Torque, 3.3 kg / cm.
The 1200G has a stronger motor / more torque.
Wow and Flutter spec appear to be the same. (0.025 % WRMS )
The difference would relate to consistent platter speed.
With the 1500 @ $1199 one could pick up a 2M Bronze Cart.