Best value $1500 TT and cartridge.

Dynavector 10x5 new and vpi scout or Michell tecnodek used.

Technics SP-20 Direct Drive ($600-750), Victor UA-7045 tonearm ($450-600) and Victor X-1IIe ($350-450) - great set up within your budget or a bit higher.

Victor tonearms and cartridges are superb. And if the budget for Technics SP-10mk2 is limited then Technics SP-20 is the way to go (same size, same shape, made in 1976, but for half price).

Picture of the SP-20: 
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18814056_1728811897136970_391640553581477427_n.jpg?oh=...

Custom made plinth for SP-20 (or tonearm pod) required.

this:
https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/clearaudio-concept-turntable-with-verify-tonearm-mc

A little over your budget, but you can now get the new Technics SL-1200GR stateside for $1699 incl. delivery.

Also, the G.E.M. Dandy Polytable (http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html) starts at $1795 w/Jelco 750D tonearm (a few months ago it was available for $1595 with a base model Jelco 250 tonearm). Price can go up with other enhancements such as speed regulator, dustcover, etc.

What’s remarkable about it is that it’s a Stereophile Class B recommended component. The other Class B turntables range from around $4K to into 5 figures, yet here’s a sub-$2K turntable holding its own against some pretty impressive hardware.

I checked back with my Oct. 2017 Stereophile, and I had overstated the Class B prices. The S'phile Class B turntables ranged from around $1500 to $8500 (no 5-figure tables). But the $1500 turntables didn't come with tonearms and the G.E.M. Polytable does.