Diving back into analog...which turntable to buy


Ive tried this a few years ago with a LP12 table and could never get it to sound as good as my digital so off it went.Im determined to get a table and make it work...So im willing to spend up to a grand,nothing more.What do I buy used or new.Looking for an easy to setup and maintain belt drive table.Thanks in advance
missioncoonery
I owned an LP12 for a few years and was fortunate in that I had it set up by probably one of the top 5 LP12 gurus in the nation. It sounded great but I got tired of the "persnickety" character of the table. But you need to consider the package as not just the table but cartridge, phone stage and cables are all crucial to maximize performance. And as mentioned the stand and placement all contribute to the quality of sound. I am not recommending that you re-invest in another LP12 but consider all the ingredients of the analog side of your system.
A used VPI table with the arm and carts that are often bundled with them. I bought a Scout with the 20X MC HO on the JMW memorial arm for $1800 new. If you can bargain and spend a little more it's a great set up. There areother les expensive VPIs you may want to investigate.
Table, arm, cartridge, and phono amp, for a grand?! That's not going to buy anything that will equal your Esoteric. But I don't understand---do you already own LP's? If so, why don't you still have a record player? If you don't now have any LP's, are you really going to start buying them now? Why, when digital is finally starting to pay off?!
Go to the web firm "U-Turn Audion". Great gear, value priced, great sound. If you don't agree they will refund your money. Things have changed.