Is a GREAT turntable under $2000 possible???


Howdy folks-

I’m really enjoying my current set up and return to 2.1 channel listening and Home Theater. Here’s what I’ve got:

-Mc402 Amp
-Anthem Mrx 520
-Oppo 103 Bdp with Scott Nixon tube dac
-Mac Mini with a Scott Nixon Usb tube dac
-Audience and Wireworld cables
-Tekton Electron speakers

I’d like to introduce vinyl to my evening listening pleasure. Any recommendations for a turntable (including arm, cartridge, etc) under $2000? Is this a reasonable figure? I have no clue when it comes to turntables so any advice given is surely appreciated.

Brent

128x128knollbrent
IMHO, the best way to go if you are a discerning buyer, is to get a used table/arm and maybe cartridge ensemble that cost up to $6K for your $2K.....

People that own that sort of table tend to take very, very good care of them and you can find some excellent deals from some poor misguided audiophile who has decided to go over to the dark (digital) side.  You might luck into some hard to find LPs, too.
The new Mobile Fidelity turntable goes for under $2000 and supposedly is quite good for the money.  Recently a nearby high end audio dealer dropped Rega and now only carries Music Hall and Mobile Fidelity in his lower cost turntable offerings.  I myself was able to purchase a mint Thorens/Rabbo combination for $950 so there is always the used market as well.  Of course I would have to pay considerably more to do better than my Thorens/Rabco combo.  Oh yes, I also have an original AR turntable which works quite well for my small audio system.
@wspohn @alanholvey 

the OP already purchased new Technics SL1200GR 

@knollbrent - my earlier suggestion of the Marantz was my attempt to keep the total cost =< $2k.  I owned the Marantz myself and it served me well for about 5 years.  I have since upgraded to the Technics 1200G.   It's my retirement table.

You made the right choice given your willingness to stretch the budget some.