Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???

Of course, it all depends on your definition of 'great turntable'. I'd say a good enough turntable is definitely possible to build for under $2,000.

For example, you could hunt for a used Systemdek IIX. Off the shelf maybe not that fantastic, but it is endlessly tweakable, and you can quite easily nudge it to the very respectable level for very little investment.

I have tried it with Jelco 750E 10" tonearm, and it sounds stunning. Jelco will give you the ability to try out various mid-to-high-range cartridges, so you won't be limited in that area (I'm currently using Denon DL-103 and Ortofon OM20). I'm mating Jelco with Nagaoka cables, which is an awesome upgrade.

Lastly, you can top it off with iFi Micro iPhono 2 preamp and still won't break the bank. iFi iPhono 2 is maybe the best bang for the buck I've seen lately (but don't bother with iPhono 1, it's not nearly as good at 2). It will give you that much coveted 'silky' and deeply sonorous sound that I was previously only able to hear with seriously expensive phono stage.

With the above configuration, I am convinced that you will be able to give more expensive turntables a good run for their money. Of course, you won't be able to beat ultra high end gear, but for the meagre $2,000 or so you're sitting in a very respectable audiophile position. Nothing to scoff at.

The technics 1200gr really makes things unfair to many turntable manufacturers.  it is a lot of table for the money.   a lot.  you should listen to one.  The VPI scout is also a lot of table for the money, especially an older one with the acrylic platter.  just a steal for what they are going for.

The Technics 1200GR is the best turntable I could find for my under $5000.00 vinyl front end project (buying new;  if you are willing to go used you can likely do better in some respects, but at some risk).  The 1200 GR is not the end-all/be-all of turntables, but it is a solid performer and flexible platform that allows for simple set-up and easy experimentation with various cartridges.  Climbing up the ladder from there requires careful matching between cartridges, tonearms, and preamps (and a lot more attention to system synergy).  If your total system budget is under $20,000, and you are not inclined to endless critical tinkering and evaluation, the 1200 GR would be well worth investigating.

I have to add...
If your system budget is over $20,000, you could do far worse than checking out the Technics 1200G.  These new Technics tables are a different animal than the old Technics 1200 series tables (although they look the same).  As an old AR and Grarrard guy, and more recently a fan of British belt drive tables, I am not enamored of the looks (your audiophile friends will deride you for having an 80's style DJ 'table), but soon you will be having the last laugh when you stop looking and start listening.

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. I've purchased the Technics Sl 1200 Gr. I'm currently looking for the Zu modded Denon 103 for my cartridge but Zu is sold out. Will aquire with them too regarding a suggested phono pre.