Here is some food for thought:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1081972994
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1084456128
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1083021464
The VPI is WITH the SAMA AND motor controller. That would leave you $700+/-.
Expessimo: Cardas/Wasatch Cable Kit, The HeavyWeight, 2 HeX-Treme End Stub, Adjustable VTA, Lower arm nut $350.00
Save $22 Or..... an Origin. But you would be over budget.
Leaving $350 for a cartridge. I'd go moving coil. Ask TWL, he can guide you through MC world. Totally upgradable with small expenditures. The arm can be used on almost ANY TT. The VPI can get upgraded to Mk IV/TNT w/SAMA. The Monolithics work pretty good, but more important, would let you experiment with a LOT of different cartridges. This setup will run with some of the best out there.
That was fun. (Spending your money)
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtabl&1081972994
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1084456128
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1083021464
The VPI is WITH the SAMA AND motor controller. That would leave you $700+/-.
Expessimo: Cardas/Wasatch Cable Kit, The HeavyWeight, 2 HeX-Treme End Stub, Adjustable VTA, Lower arm nut $350.00
Save $22 Or..... an Origin. But you would be over budget.
Leaving $350 for a cartridge. I'd go moving coil. Ask TWL, he can guide you through MC world. Totally upgradable with small expenditures. The arm can be used on almost ANY TT. The VPI can get upgraded to Mk IV/TNT w/SAMA. The Monolithics work pretty good, but more important, would let you experiment with a LOT of different cartridges. This setup will run with some of the best out there.
That was fun. (Spending your money)