Pins are generally broken down into a series of price point ranges depending on the title.

By A1 do you mean something like Twilight Zone or Addams Family? You'll need to set aside 4k minimum as a starting point for a "working" one.

On the flip side you can get a POTO or a BOP for around 1800-2300 each.

Would one A list title for a first time buyer suffice or would you want a couple of underrated bang for buck titles instead so that others can play a machine at the same time?

It all depends on what you want.

Maybe you could put up a specific wish list and get some feedback from other forum members as to their gameplay/value for money?