THE BEST $2000 TURNTABLE - NEW OR USED ??????

No such thing as "best". There are lots of good choices within your budget but a VPI sounds different from a Linn sounds different from a Basis sounds different from a Nottinghsm sounds different from a Rega and so it goes. We all have a bias as to what we like. I recommend VPI but there are lots of other good choices.

I agree with Narrod. It's what sounds best to your ears! I would suggest by my own liking, Michell ....

Comparing TTs is one of the more difficult exercises. There's no shortage of strong opinions on the subject, but I doubt many opinions are based on comparing TTs with all variables fixed (e.g. same arm, same cartridge, same phono stage, same platform, same system, plus careful TT set-up. A magazine reviewer's opinion might be more worth following, since at least a magazine has the resources for a proper comparison.

After tinkering with TTs, one of the few things I know for sure is that variations in platform & siting may be as significant to the sonic outcome as variations between TT designs.

A $800 phono stage to equal your $2 TT may be tough to find. Perhaps a used BAT or ARC PH-3SE or later model.