Top turntables under $2k

In that price range my pick would be the Technics SL-1200/1210 GR. My friend has one and it an outstanding table. It has a decent arm and all the adjustments that you would ever need in a turntable!

Have you considered two tonearms?

Or a tonearm with interchangeable arms?

I have the Technics SL-1210 paired with a Rogue Sphinx Integrated and Zu Audio Omen Bookshelf speakers.  Very good synergy to these ears.

Rich 

this recent thread was best under 4K, but many suggestions were within your budget.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-turntable-under-4000

Thorens TD125. All original also great.

Marantz TT-15S1 (by Clearaudio). Not that I am unbiased.

There's a lot of excellent options.  I highly encourage you to research and listen.  I personally own a Rega turntable because I tend to believe the philosophy of low mass; and I know VPI makes some excellent turntables...  

Enjoy the process.

Just my experience...As I went up the turntable route...I realized the magic of analogue experience was expensive. The first time I had that "Come to Jesus moment" was when I put together the following....VPI Prime-Ortofon Black --Pass labs XP-17.

Its my belief that on the lower end of vinyl playback..your fooling yourself if you think your going to tap into that vinyl magic. YMMV- But that was my experience.

BTW- My current setup is --VPI Prime Signature TT---Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Cartridge---Pass Labs XP-17 Phono---Audience SX Phono interconnects.

This is 15K.....On the right records its fabulous....but I would have a hard time encouraging someone to pursue this like I have. The other dynamic.... I only buy pristine records....and there really expensive...and some are not recorded very well.

If someone asked my advice.....I would chase the digital side of this hobby. I wouldn't waste my time on analogue. Just my opinion...

I have Technics, but there is a difference between Direct Drive and belt drive so 

you should be sure that is a kind of sound that you like

Nice system!....Cronus and LS50s are a fun combo.

You could find a preowned VPI Scout at that price point.  I also have quite a few customers running Rega P3/P6 with a Cronus.

VPI Classic in Custom Wood Base (no dust cover)

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649959641-custom-vpi-classic-based-turntable-with-fideity-research-fr-64fx-tonearm-rebuilt/

AVID, open box, clarify, dust cover included?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145000878811?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=3d27019a-ca4b-11ed-bd83-396263653663

Custom Pro-Ject, says new, can add 2 more tonearms if ever desired

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225416596096?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=9857d094-ca4b-11ed-ad67-633131623362

Technics SP15, 3 speeds, S arm allows removable headshells

https://www.georgemeyer-av.com/technics-sp-15-direct-drive-turntable/?refsource=hifishark

see technics specs, these can compete with nearly any other model, new or old.

https://vintagetechnics.audio/turntables.php

I bought one, gave it to my friend, recently installed their B500 base on it which is awesome and allows easy changing arms to either straight fixed cartridge or S arm with removable headshell. Loosen ’lock’, slide arm out, slide other arm in, tighten ’Lock’. Contacts are integral to the arm/base.

.......................................

base with straight arm is shown on this VPI

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393250028388?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=af9b9c52-ca4d-11ed-b006-633131623362

VPI is over your budget, but seller says make offer.

I am near Tom's River, if you were seriously interested, I could drive down and check it out, see it operate, get answers to any questions you may have.