Technics turntables are a lot like the Toyota Camry of cars. To common to geek out on, but very well built and a good value for the dollar spent. The highest of performance? No. But certainly well executed.
For $2K I cannot think of a package that has a solid drive unit and tonearm that betters it. VPI is a second choice, but not a fan as I think every major sub component is average and never exceptional.
Now if you want a table that offers excellent performance, will challenge your cartridge alignment skills, and teach you a great deal about analog and the interactions of sub components of a turntable...then look at a Well Tempered turntable. It might be a few bucks above budget, ,but it is very close. It is a geeks turntable for sure.
Vintage tables offer a lot of value for the dollar. But maintenance may become a concern, and there are not as many techs who can rebuild and calibrate a direct drive table. Some tonearms like the Acos GST-801 are getting long in the tooth and often have parts missing that are difficult to source or have the magnet in the VTF device fracture and become inoperable. Sure you can static balance the arm, but do you want a piece that is not working as it is designed? Some people don't mind, others do.
Yes the Technics keeps its 80's era look. Some people don't like it, I am probably one of them. But in terms of performance, I think that one is close to the top for what you are willing to spend.