Yes, you might run into a little bit of a gain matching conundrum with some LOMC cartridges, but I use a HOMC Dynavector. Essentially the same gain as MM cartridges, but I find the sound to be palpably better. Not pretending to be an expert, just my observations.
Direct Drive tables are awesome. The pinnacle was late 1970s-mid 1980s. I have a late 1980s Pioneer Reference Series PL-90. What a machine! I love the speed stability, the auto-stop, the button for one-touch lowering and raising of the tonearm, the instant 33/45 switching, the removable tonearm/headshell.
As we know the most well-regarded of them all is the aforementioned SL1200. There are so many of them available used, for very reasonable amounts. Just check out your local CL.
As you might know, Technics is starting to mass-market the newly re-engineered latest version of the SL-1200 in the summer of this year. I think MSRP would be around $1700 , complete with a tonearm. Initial reviews are very-very favorable.
On the more affordable front you got Pioneer PLX-1000 and PLX-500, marketed for DJs, but from what I've read, are excellent for vinyl lovers also... Well under $1,000 incl. a decent cartridge.