Going to replace my Fluance rt85

In general, you get what you pay for. With $2K you should be able to extend your reach by buying used. For instance a used Rega 6. If by this means you can get into or near the $5K range new, you are going to be getting a far superior table. These are low end audiophile tables. They have been carefully crafted with components of very high quality and with great care. These tables, in general… not just any, you need to do your research, will be much quieter, more dynamic and stable than something anywhere near the $1 - $2K range.

You might go back to Stereophile and The Absolute Sound five years and find tables in the $4K to $5K range. Then locate a used one from a reputable dealer like Echo. I personally would not buy a used table from an individual I did not know. A good dealer with used tables will go over them and make sure they perform to their potential.

I wouldn’t put a $2k TT through a ifi Zen unless it was the newer 3. I would upgrade the phono stage first and see what kind of sound I was getting.  What's the point of upgrading the TT if the phono stage is holding it back?

I had a Rega P1/2M blue combo going through a Darlington Labs MP-7 and it sounded great.

Phono stage is just as important, maybe more, than the TT/cart.

Hey Laecp123,

Here is my two cents. I just recently upgraded from a Fluance RT85. I looked and listened  for a year before a finally pulled the trigger. I went with the Mofi Ultradeck with the Matertracker cartridge. I found it used for just under 2k. I was very happy with my Fluance but the cartridge compatibility was very limiting. I also bought an after market device by "Q Up" since I got used to the autolift on the Fluance. I run my turntable through the phono stage on my Rogue Cronus Magnum iii. I instantly noticed a much deeper black backround in between tracks. I also notice the difference in the weight of the arm. Watching my Fluance spin I could see movement in the arm across tracks. The Mofi is much more solid. I do hear more of the flaws on the not so perfect vinyl I own. Overall the Mofi sounds better in a lot of ways. Does it sound almost 3k better(based on MRSP) that's debatable. It sounds better to me but.... If I had paid the new price I think I would be unhappy. At the used price of 2k I think it was a good purchase. 

I vote for the Orbit Theory, which starts out a buck under 1K. Made in USA, you can order direct with or without phono stage. It comes with a tapered cast magnesium arm, and you can up grade to Ortofon Bronze cartridge. The Theory features a solid wood plinth, and triangle feet layout. The feet are above price point, IMHO. I bought one to replace a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon in my third system. The only two minor complaints I have are the cheap dust cover hinges, (they seem to work and are holding up well) and you must buy a replacement belt, (as far as I know) from Orbit. If you like to tinker, consider a used Thorens, for which there is great parts support, and service manuals can be down loaded from <vinylengine.com>. You will find a wide range of models out there that will fit under your price cap from "entry level" to true audiophile. I bought a Thorens TD 165 series 1 as a project, I have about $500 total into it so far which includes, new belt upgrade phono leads, and suspension springs. It has impressed me for the bang for buck. . .... Good luck

I like the Pro-ject X8 evolution. Look up

Michael Fremer's review on youtube. Killer table just slightly above your budget.