Top turntables under $2k

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.

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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.

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

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

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/

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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

Thorens TD125. All original also great.

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

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

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 

Have you considered two tonearms?

Or a tonearm with interchangeable arms?

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!