Getting back into venal with a $2,000 budget.

I'm going to second what @chayro  said about all the "veteran" voices throwing all sorts of obstacles in the way of someone who simply wants to experience a new medium. Please, @litespeedaudio. It is perfectly possible to get a wonderfully satisfying and mesmerizing system for the price point you want. Please ignore those who say You must invest five figures just to achieve anything happy.

Case in point, I have downsized in the past few years from a fairly expensive analog system to a smaller room with a much cheaper analog system that's just as satisfying. The combination of my cartridges, phono preamp, turntable and arm, all new, might be 2500, tho several components are used. 

And as one of those Gen X hipsters buying vinyl from many sources, including local record stores, online boutiques like acoustic sounds, and the occasional Barnes & Noble or Urban Outfitters, I try not to lump an entire population into an underwhelming vagary. Like all those Boomers with too much income and too much time who are uncomfortable with how music and Society is changing. Please note irony. 

@simao 'Getting Back into venal Vinyl' is the Thread Topic.

The OP is not looking to experience a New Medium, they are inquiring about getting back on board to use a known Source Medium within a particular budget. There is also made known a Historical owned Vinyl LP collection in their possession. 

As they are with an experience of the Dark Material, reminding them along withbthe odd set up recommendation of a few additional necessities to add to the Alchemy is no harm to enter into the mix.

Is there really a suggestion put forward that has substantially increased the constraints made known for the OP's Budget ? I don't see one.

The OP might alternatively go to Streaming, their evaluation process is quite broad at present, so being too fixated on one Source Medium is not really where the Thread is focused on.   

Your report of a positive outcome from a change of budget allowance for your present set up will undoubtedly be encouraging. 

@litespeedaudio I had a Rega P3 with the Elys cartridge for a while. I was somewhat underwhelmed by it. I was also somewhat put off by feeling locked into Rega cartridges. However, it gets rave reviews from many many other sources and users here. 

I have the P3 w/ the Exact 2 cartridge and love it. It's improved the listening enjoyment of my vinyl and it left some cash on the table that I can put toward other component upgrades down the road.