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

I’m partial to the Thorens TD-309 which has won many awards. I have an entry TD203 w/ Ortofon 2m Blue that impresses me, so the TD 309 would be my next move if, that is if I didn’t enjoy the 203 so much.

https://www.thorens.com/en/thorens®-td-309.html

https://theaudiophileman.com/td309/

Or the newly released TD1600, a modern reissue of the TD160

https://www.thorens.com/en/thorens®-td-1600-en.html

Perhaps your needs can be best met in the used market: mine were. I bought a very, very nice VPI HW-19 Mk 2 for $500 from a local audiophile: in fact, it was cosmetically and functionally perfect. Of course, it did not have a tonearm or cartridge but the turntable itself will last many years and it yields more than satisfactory performance. The HW-19 series can be easily upgraded with gratifying results. There are many other options too. Check in the classified section of this forum and elsewhere and check archived reviews.

@chakster, the Luxman PD-444 … Classic Lines ...

You'll love the SL-1200GR, my buddy has one with these isolation feet, https://www.mnpctech.com/collections/turntable-lsolation-feet

VPI SCOUTMASTER. 1800 BUCKS.