Reasonably priced 2K Phono Preamp?

If you can find one (never easy), a used Vendetta Research 2B or C would be as good as any units out there. I saw one a few weeks ago on A-gon, but it seems to have been snapped up. I had one a number of years ago, sold it when I got my JP80MC, it was the quietest phono stage I ever had. Don't get one expecting to have it upgraded to current specs, though, unless you're prepared for a long wait, as it took Mr. Curl a long time (in the past, at least) to get around to doing those upgrades after the units were sent to him (you can't rush genius). Two tubed, good sounding units I've heard are the Audio Research PH-3 and the Herron (seems to sell around $2000 used), both worth an audition. Finally, at a little above your price point new, Innersound has a solid state phono stage which I was very impressed with when I auditioned it in my system while my Jadis was out for repairs. Hope these give you some ideas at the top of your price range.

To the above I would add the "DACT" 101 (#?). It comes in semi-kit form (i.e. the circuits are ready, you add casing + batteries or separate power supply).
A friend of mine put it together with active PS. It sounds wonderful, has gain of its own (i.e., you can also hook a digi source onto it -- if you want to give passive a go), and the cost including the extra matls should be 1,5-2K (from what he told me). DACT stands for "Danish Audio Connect" & their site is www.dact.com// & that completes my knowledge of this product.
Oh yes, the system: a mean-looking VPI/Koetsu (sorry, can't remember either model), Krell 250, Wilson 6,1.
Good luck!

I hear that people and reviewers have fgood things to say about Audiomat phono (never heard it myself). Costs $990.
Check it and review out on http://www.mutine.com.

I have a Conrad Johnson Motif Phono Stage. They are used only. Sold for over $2K new. I see used ones a lot for $600 to $740. Model is MC-11 I think. Is "Reasonably" priced $2K an Oxy-moron ???

I love my BAT VK-P5 which retails for $2k, but can be had for $1200 used. I compared it in a long term audition to the $5000 Aesthetix Io and when maintenance costs were factored in, I could not justify the $3k for such a small improvement. The Io was better, but not by that much.