A VPI Scout w/ JMW 9 arm and Dynavector 10X cartridge purchased new will fit right into your $2k budget. This whole setup is also upgradeable in affordable increments:
Scout ---> Scoutmaster
JMW 9 ----> JMW 9 Signature (or Plus)
Add an SDS
Add a periphery ring clamp
upgrade cartridge
I don't believe the others you mentioned have such a wide open upgrade path.
BTW, I started with a basic Scout about 2 years ago, and have done this incremental upgrade and now have a Scoutmaster w/ JMW 9 Signature, Dynavector 20X-H cartridge, SDS and Stainless clamp.
I am greatly satisfied with this setup.
Good Luck.
Scout ---> Scoutmaster
JMW 9 ----> JMW 9 Signature (or Plus)
Add an SDS
Add a periphery ring clamp
upgrade cartridge
I don't believe the others you mentioned have such a wide open upgrade path.
BTW, I started with a basic Scout about 2 years ago, and have done this incremental upgrade and now have a Scoutmaster w/ JMW 9 Signature, Dynavector 20X-H cartridge, SDS and Stainless clamp.
I am greatly satisfied with this setup.
Good Luck.