Best TT setup for 2k

Cambridge Duo

I found a used Musical Surroundings NovaPhonomena for about $500.  I really like it and it has good reviews.  My turntable is MoFi, and I’m using a Soundsmith B&O cartridge with an adapter.  Totally satisfied.

The MoFi phono preamp has good reviews for a $400 unit.

A popular reviewer tested a new ProJect Debut Pro complete with quality cart. Can't remember the name. All for 1k.  He claimed it outperformed his Technics tt with Ortofon 2M-Black cartridge. 

From a reviewer ya might want to take with a very large grain of salt, but might be worth looking into. You would still have almost 1k towards the all important phono preamp.

The Ortofon black cartridge for one is overrated IMO.  Take and listen to various turntables in your price range.  Do not buy a turntable from what the reviewers say.  listen for yourself.  its the only way.   

Yeah I would love to listen for myself before I buy but it’s not very feasible. Nowhere within several hours that sells this stuff and even then I would be hearing it on a totally different system. I try to buy used anytime I can or get at least a 20% discount on new. That way I can keep playing around and not losing money while doing it. Usually make a few bucks since I buy smart. 
 

I just realized my Micromega M100 has a phono input. I do however think it digitizes the analog with bothers the crap out of me but…. If it sounds good I guess. It’s ok. 
 

I was planning on hooking the TT up to a tube integrated but will try this first.