Best way to spend $2k on a used Turntable & Arm?

Steveaudio has me thinking about incl. the phono in the 2k. That sounds like a sensible and very nice package. I am also considering a Clearaudio pkg. @ 2k without phono or stand. Thanks again. Great help.

The Origin Live does look nice but they are asking retail for it. (899.00 pounds) The Acoustic Signature Manfred also looks very nice. Couple those with the Clearaudio Emotion Red pkg I'm looking at and it starts to get a little confusing. I like the idea of little to no maintenance. The bearing material on the Acoustic Signature seems good. Meanwhile there is a nice looking Rega P25 and a VPI Scout. Help!

I used the cartridge that came w/ the MMF5. I think it was a Benz cartridge actually. That was in 2003. I appreciate Frogman's suggestion of stating what I liked about the Sota. It did have a vacuum platter w/ a FFT? arm and a $2000.00 Ortofon cartridge. I'm sure it was a $6000 outfit new. I liked it's ability to extract information from the record. It seemed to have a bass that I liked better than the LP12s. We did use a VPI cleaning machine with the Sota. I'm sure that 2k used won't get me quite to that sound but I'm hoping to find what would get me the closest at that price range. I will probably need to think about the cost of a phono and a good stand. I agree that it would not be great to use the Grado with a nice deck. In fact, I think that I want a MC cart. don't I? Thanks again for the great suggestions so far.

I really have to thank everyone for the incredible suggestions. Even as a 26 year home electronics industry professional, I have a lot to learn. I was not even aware of the Lenco tables. I would have a hard time going to a local dealer. They are almost nonexistent in N.M. anyway. I don't mind dealer closeouts or specials, but I don't think that I need to take up their time to make a good choice. I do now feel like I could include the phono stage into my $2k budget and still get good performance with the right selection & set up. I don't guess anyone would know how the new Clearaudio Concept w/ arm & cart. compares @ 1500 list?

I was wondering about the 3mo old Nottingham Spacedeck w RB 250 arm and a new Grado Sig. for 1350.00. I used to be a Rega dealer and also like them. I don't mind used. Of course I want a good deal like everyone. I don't think that I want a lot of fuss with set up and maintenance unless that is necessary for good sound. The suggestions about the Acoustic Signature and Origin Live interests me. I'm trying to not get to overwhelmed with all of the choices. Obviously VPI is popular and must sound good. I just don't have experience with them. The Linn LP12 takes meticulous adjustment and buying used there concerns me. I also seem drawn to the Clearaudio decks as well. The Concept seems to be plug and play. Thanks again for the help.

Transnova, how would you compare the VPIs with the Acoustic Signature that you mentioned previously? It seems to be coming back to the VPIs. How about the different VPI models that you mentioned? Was any particular one the best value? There is a TNT for 1995.00, but that would totally blow my budget w/ an appropriate arm, cart, and phono. The Classic does seem to get a lot of "buzz". There is one of those w/ a Scout Acrylic platter. I really want to make a good choice and so appreciate all of the help from everyone. I am taking all of these suggestions under advisement.

Doesn't the Manfred also have a maintenance free bearing? I don't mind having something that is "less common". I may be using a Mastersound tubed phono preamp with my selection. Thanks again.

Any Thoughts on the Roksan Radius 5 w/ NIMA arm & Corus Black cart.? ($3410.00 retail)

I will look at those. It is more than I thought I wanted to spend, but I appreciate the suggestion. The VPI tables seem to be universally liked. There are other lower models on Audiogon that seem to be good buys if I can't swing the Aries 1.