re: Record player recommendations?

Music Hall, Fluance, Rega, U-Turn, and Pro-Ject. Take your pick. I personally think the Fluance RT-85 is the best bang for the buck in the price range given the Ortofon Blue cartridge. I think U-Turn is better at the $400 range but the U-Turn Special @550 comes with an Ortofon Red cartridge which is a step down from the Blue. The Red is a $100 cartridge and the Blue is a $200 cartridge.

You ask about other gear which begs me to make sure you have a receiver/integrated with a phono input. If not you will need a phono pre-amp which could change the whole discussion.

It would also be helpful if you listed the gear you plan to use the turntable with just to make sure your aren't overspending compared to your gear unless you plan to upgrade it. You could also be understanding your associated gear but your budget is set so that isn't an issue.