Analog under 2k?

I too wanted to get an inexpensive Analog setup. I went with the Basis 1400 w/RB300 arm and a Benz Micro Glider II (MC) cartridge. It sounded really nice. New cost would be about $2K, although you could easily get it used for $1200-1400.
(I upgraded to the Koetsu Black cartridge after my friend's kids bent the very exposed cantilever on the Glider though, something to think about if you have kids in the house!)

(I am now upgrading to the Basis 2001 with a RB900, that is how much I like the Basis sound! When I get the money, I will swap out the RB900 for the Basis Vector arm!)

Good Luck in your Search!

You state you have access to an EAR.
Does this mean you can buy it relatively cheaply or that you have a buddy who will lend it to you?

The EAR is a fairly decent entry level phono preamp. If you can either pick it up cheaply (or better yet, borrow it for a bit), you can try it out, make sure you want to stick with analog (and all the trials and tribulations that it involves) before you move on to something bigger and better. (I have not been so enthused about listening to music in about a decade, since I got my turntable.)

FYI: Since I have gotten back into Analog, I have noticed that there seems to be a faily constant urge to upgrade the system as every little change, tweak, mod, etc., appears to add just a little bit more to the enjoyment of the music. (Not that this is a bad thing, but it does involve money, which is a limiting factor, at least in my case.) Therefore, you might want to start off slow and work your way up to the level you want. I do this by buying, using and selling "used" equipment, rather than new as the depreciation of analog equipment seems to be rather large. (I seem to be able to buy very well cared for analog equipment for about half price. Which is a good thing, as it is starting to run into thousands of dollars.)

Good Luck in your pursuit of audio nirvana.