Agree with Coffee Nudge. Within your 2K budget, the Scout and it's upgrade path will serve you well. The added mass of the JMW9 signature arm really opens up a wide possibility of cartridge options including the Denons and the Shelters. If you keep your eyes open, there are some very good deals from time to time on AudiogoN for pre-owned Scoutmasters that also include the JMW 9 sig arm, for a bit more than your 2K.
To be honest with you, I have the Scoutmaster/JMW9 Sig/Shelter 501/Walker Motor Controller, and have been very happy with it. So much so, that my latest upgrade is to jump from that setup to the Walker Proscenium Gold Signature turntable.
It's pretty tough to get a better value in an analog setup in the 2K to 3K price range than the Scout family. JMHO...
To be honest with you, I have the Scoutmaster/JMW9 Sig/Shelter 501/Walker Motor Controller, and have been very happy with it. So much so, that my latest upgrade is to jump from that setup to the Walker Proscenium Gold Signature turntable.
It's pretty tough to get a better value in an analog setup in the 2K to 3K price range than the Scout family. JMHO...