I have been on the hunt for the best turntable I can buy. Any suggestions?

Love my Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 3 MC cart and Rega Ania phono. I would love to try the Planar 10, Aphelion 2 and Aura MC phono but I have hit my upper budget. Let me know if you snag one though, I'll bring the Scotch and some good vinyl to spin.

Why not this marvel of technology? The Biotracer indeed was a marvelous piece of tech.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-PS-X555ES.html
Could almost be had within your price range.

Kenwood Kp990 and above are wonderful. with ah great mid compliance tonearm. easy to adopt multiple tonearm with simple mods. very easy to use and great. 

technics.. if you get a very good condition tonearmbof epa100. the ruby bearings easily crushed. high compliance tonearm though. 

sleeper Sony. 2250. fantastic tonearm. decent tt but more musical. mid high compliance.. 10.5 inch tonearm. 

depends what you need.. and 2nd hand always is condition condition and condition.if poor condition is almost as good as junk. Best if you have a very good restorer or get new ones. reed, avid, vpi. all very decent. 
or customize.. buy maglev sistem from eBay. the Denmark speaker guy is very happy with it

Go to fixmydual.com and buy a 1229.