Hi JC.
Why don't you research a
Minelab Xterra 505, $548.00
*Teknetics g2 with a 11'dd $699.00 (Fantastic new reviews) Excellent in high trash
*Fisher Goldbug DP with the 11' coil $699.00 ( Same " " " ) Same
Tesoro anything --------- LIFETIME WARRANTY , light weight, turn on and beep units.
And don't worry about extreme depth ok? It's all about separation of the good from bad, which comes with good current electronics. The more depth you get, the more trash you get. Make sense?
Don't spend a lot of money buying expensive tools etc... Go ask questions, visit the local Historians, Museums. Study some free online maps of your area. Go with the attitude detecting, that if you find something it's just a bonus. Any of these folks here will tell you, the best stuff came to us when we least expected it, relaxed enjoying the outing. I am by no means a pro, but I have been around this a while and I like to help others when I can. For the money you are wanting to spend, the above Manufactures, and their machines I listed will suit you just fine. I am personally getting ready to purchase the Teknetics G2 or the T2 because of their recent reported target separation in high trash areas. If one were to purchase a superior "first detector" , it should be for its ability to perform this task, rather than get extreme depth.
Mike
Here are some dealer you may want to contact. American Dealers are not permitted to ship outside the Continental US
http://www.canadiantreasureseekers.com/index.php?l=product_list&m=4
* My personal Most recommended at your price range after recent reviews 2011