Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???

a little over but a great sounding system,
technics sl 1200gr
lehmann black cube statement
orotfon quintet bronze  

To be blunt, NO.  A GREAT turntable is the combination of a lot of well executed engineering, which doesn't come cheap.
There are many good to very good turntables for under $2K, however.  More than ever before in my estimation.  You can probably find something used that retails for $3K or more for under $2K, so my advice is to do your research and be patient for the deal to happen.  Clearaudio, VPI, and many others are good brands to focus on.  I owned a Clearaudio Emotion for a while and was very impressed with the sound.  My local Craigslist has one for $1K, so there are some incredible deals out there if you look carefully.    

Ive had a Music Hall 9.3 for a couple of years now. Bought when they first came out with the new model. It comes with preinstalled goldring erotica lx MC cartridge. I am thrilled with performance at $2395 new. Never seen one used here so I’m assuming other owners haven’t been trading up.

Gotta love the Erotica!

$2k? Maybe not off the shelf but you can certainly do what I did. Source a clean Garrard 401 for about $800. Make or buy a layered birch ply plinth and add a 12" Jelco 750 arm for $550. Optionally add an Audiosilente idler for $100. Add brass feet and sit table on solid level support and you will have a great table.