What's a good beginner turntable at $2500+- range?

The Technics is a great table for the money and certainly "no fuss no muss" but to say that it across the board beats tables at that budget used is not consistent with my experience to say the least. You've got a lot of choices at that price used, from Basis, Clearaudio, SOTA, VPI, Rega, Kuzma, etc.. Also you can do better for that money than a Rega RB300 arm.

remember he's talking buying used at $2500 or a bit more.

ditto Nrenter. You may get convinced to go new.

"...you likely prefer an open sound, that tends to be more the hallmark of sprung/hung turntables in my experience..."

not my experience.

www.audiounlimiteddenver.com is a very good dealer that certainly does analogue. Sometimes dealers sell used demos or trade ins at prices comparable to buying used elsewhere. In any case a good dealer will appreciate your position as long as you appreciate theirs which you seem to. Good luck and enjoy!