Decades ago, I owned the first SL-1500. Previously, I had owned a $100 Pioneer belt drive. The Technics was twice as expensive, but in my opinion, not as musical, or expressed differently, I enjoyed it less.
I haven’t heard or owned any VPI tables less than $4500 or so, but in my opinion, the 1200G and 1500C are not as enjoyable to listen to as a VPI Prime, Prime X, my old Aries, or a Dr. Feickert Volare. For me, it’s not even close.
I currently own a Prime X and a Dr. Feickert Volare (among others). Unfortunately, those two are out of your price range.
A Denon DP-3000NE, however, is almost in your price range. Last year, I auditioned turntables to use with various low compliance cartridges (Ortofon SPU, Denon, Phasemation, etc.) After auditioning, I purchased a Denon DP-3000NE instead of the Technics 1200G or 1500C. In my opinion, the more expensive Technics 1200G is worse than the Denon. I auditioned all tables with an SPU and two Denon cartridges (DL-103 and DL-103r). With the Technics tables, I could sometimes clearly hear arm resonance which caused certain frequencies to jump out unnaturally. Not instruments jumping out...notes and sounds jumping out. In addition, when I wasn’t hearing resonance issues, I still preferred the Denon. I also prefer the look and feel of the Denon. Aesthetically, it’s not close in my opinion.
Your mileage might vary. I listen to classical, jazz and rock music. Not everyone does. If you don’t, you might hear things differently. Good luck in your search.
