What turntable in the $2500 range?

@mdj00 really beautiful turntables, I am afraid with shipping and custom it would be over my budget.

Thank you all for all the responses and the lively conversation. I really learned a lot from everybody!

I went to listen to 3 turntables
1. Rega P6 with ND7 at Hifi Buys
2. VPI Classic 1st series, 10.5 tonearm with Dynavector xx2 mk ii
3. SOTA Sapphire Series III with Premier FT-3 arm and Benz Micro Acs SH cartridge

For the VPI and the SOTA I went to Wolfsong Audio and Mike was absolutely fantastic!

I really enjoyed the experience to listen to all 3 of them and I have to tell you that they really all make a difference form lower level turntable.
The fist major impression was the absolute silence between tracks, something that I was not used about (I have an old cheap Sony with a 2M Red).

Mike allowed me to bring my phono stage so he could make sure I would be able to enjoy the MC experience. I have a simple Parasound Zphono and I was happy to hear that it could handle even the lower output from the Dynavector.

At Wolfsong I brought my known records and Mike was kind to shuffle them and allow me to enjoy the experience,
And let me tell you what an experience it was! 
I truly rediscover the pleasure to listen to music again and I am starting to understand all your enthusiams you had suggesting me your favorite tunrtable.
The soundstage from the VPI was phenomenal! 3D! Spatial! Surrounding! I am sure that a lot has to do with Mike skills on setting up the turntable and the cartdridge properly, but it opened my ears to a new dimension!
This was a lifetime changing experience!
I know that this is the first step into the higher end and I know that there are many more step forward but this is what I could afford with my budget and I am extremely happy!

So you can guess that I am the proud owner of a 65 lb baby: VPI Classic!

Now I need to listen to music and enjoy the ride.

Thank you Mike @ Wolfsong Audio for a great experience!
Thank you HiFi Buys for the same!

Thank you all for your support and passion that helped me pick my next turntable!

There is nothing that compares to the Cheshire Cat Grin appearing on a Face when the Music Encounter hits it out off the Ball Park.

Doing the footwork in advance really is the only way to generate experiences and learn

Talk on a Forum is just 'Talking the Talk' you yourself have now 'Walked the Walk' and acquired valuable learning, which as it is indelible will be processed for years to come. Who with no experiences had can challenge you when sharing about your own experiences had.

Enjoy.  Nice table.