Top turntables under $2k

Just my experience...As I went up the turntable route...I realized the magic of analogue experience was expensive. The first time I had that "Come to Jesus moment" was when I put together the following....VPI Prime-Ortofon Black --Pass labs XP-17.

Its my belief that on the lower end of vinyl playback..your fooling yourself if you think your going to tap into that vinyl magic. YMMV- But that was my experience.

BTW- My current setup is --VPI Prime Signature TT---Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Cartridge---Pass Labs XP-17 Phono---Audience SX Phono interconnects.

This is 15K.....On the right records its fabulous....but I would have a hard time encouraging someone to pursue this like I have. The other dynamic.... I only buy pristine records....and there really expensive...and some are not recorded very well.

If someone asked my advice.....I would chase the digital side of this hobby. I wouldn't waste my time on analogue. Just my opinion...

I have Technics, but there is a difference between Direct Drive and belt drive so 

you should be sure that is a kind of sound that you like

Nice system!....Cronus and LS50s are a fun combo.

You could find a preowned VPI Scout at that price point.  I also have quite a few customers running Rega P3/P6 with a Cronus.

VPI Classic in Custom Wood Base (no dust cover)

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649959641-custom-vpi-classic-based-turntable-with-fideity-research-fr-64fx-tonearm-rebuilt/