Opinion: Best turntable under $2000?


Ok. I need the group's opinion again. What is the best turntable, with arm, under $2000 (not including the cartridge, phono preamp, etc)? Part two: best cartridge under $500?
rsasso
i tend to agree with piedpiper on this one.going to get a lot of opinions on which direction to go.don't forget the used market once you do decide.good luck.
Rega. No, Music Hall. No, Project. No, Scout. No, Technics. No, Basis. No, Piccolo. No, Clearaudio. No, used Thorens. No, Used Lenco. No, Rek-o-kut. No, used Empire. No, Oracle.
TO Piedpiper;

Yes, I am always looking for those sonic characteristics that many attribute to vacuum tubes (I set up an all tube system). You know the adjectives: warm, rich, fullness of sound, depth to soundstage, subtle...as opposed to the solid state adjectives of accurate and clean and fast, etc. My friends are often amused at this craziness of searching for "sonic characteristics"
Psychicanimal, my life is harsh; so I like to keep my music rich and warm and full.... until I get my drink on, then music is harsh :)