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

@klimt You better come back and let us all know how it goes!

Can anyone recommend a cartridge that pairs well with the SL-1200GR? It needs to be $450 or less.

@kimt

Pickering XSV-3500 and Stanton 881 for Technics tonearm are great, these models are withing your price range.

Grace F-9 is another killer MM within your price range for Technics tonearm.

SONY XL-50 with Boron Pipe cantilever is also great.  

I'm a little surprised that no one mentions Clearaudio.  I'm guessing the majority dislike belt drive.  I bought a Champion Level Two with the Unify carbon fiber tonearm in 2002 and I still love it.  Currently using a Benz Micro Wood SL.  But this is beside the OP's point.  Clearaudio's entry level with their house mm or mc cartridges review very well.  What do you think?

It would be only fair to point out to kimt that all 3 cartridges on your list, Chakster, would be at least 30 or more years old at this point in time.  To find an NOS one would be serendipitous for sure, but also one would be taking a chance on the condition of the suspension of such a cartridge, which would be expected to have deteriorated, even if NOS. In fact, it's certain that any sample of any of those 3 cartridges will have "changed" sonically since the date of its manufacture. This change could be OK or more likely not OK.  While I share your admiration for those 3 cartridges, and I own them all, I suspect there are many modern cartridges, recently manufactured, and in the same price range, which would be less risky to invest in.  For examples: Nagaoka, Audio Technica, etc.

Just checked Music Directs price.
CLEARAUDIO - Concept Black Turntable with Concept Tonearm (MM Cartridge) Turntables Price $1,800.00
$1600 for the table and arm only.
They also have a 60 day return policy.