Where is the significant point of diminishing returns on hi-end turntable?


For those that don’t know me I am newish to this game. Yes, I believe this chase for perfection in sound reproduction is a game. There are endless variables affecting the sound of every system and 100x that in opinions on each of these variables. I love cool $hit as much as the next guy but I am looking for an analog rig and I keep getting drawn into the seemingly endless "what about this option that costs tons more?". I started with a $6 to $10K budget and now I am considering a $25K setup (Table, cart and phono stage) after talking to a local retailer. I will be blunt, I want to be that guy in the Memorex ad from the 80’s that is getting blown away by his system (my impression is he is overwhelmed by the amazing sound coming from that speaker not the volume). Now that I have acquired some pretty descent stuff I am spending 15 plus hours each week listening and really enjoying this hobby. I don’t want to have any regrets and just be marginally satisfied with my setup but where do I draw the line? Back to my initial question; what is a reasonable amount to spend on an analog setup to achieve the best bang for the buck? I may be somewhat unique in that I don’t want to constantly be upgrading my equipment, I just want to buy great products the first time that are very satisfying and spend hours listening to great music. I don’t want to be the guy always chasing the next great thing.
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Wow, where do I begin? Lots of responses overnight. 

Don, I am not stupid, ugly, yes. I have even mastered a manual transmission and my daily driver is a 993 C2S. I grew up around a professional recording studio my father owned. I can choose from over 5k albums in his collection. I prefer quality over quantity. I have owned a number of TTs in my life, I am seeking my first hi end table. I currently have a $5k analog setup. 


I have invested more than $70K in my base setup with Voxativ 211 tube amp, Voxativ 9.87 loudspeakers, PS Audio Direct stream DAC with Bridge II, PS Audio P5 power, upgraded ICs and power cords, however, that is my next focus after the analog rig. That and some room treatments. 

For cleaning records I just bought a KLaudio unit. This will help me properly clean any records from my father's collection as well as new ones. 
All I can say is its much higher if you have an interest in turntables themselves as much as listening to music. Many factors go into the sound and the options are endless. You can take it as far as you want for as long as you want. It takes time and knowledge as much as money.

Whereas if teh goal is to just enjoy the music, diminishing returns will come sooner and cheaper most likely.

The answer lies mostly with what one looks to get out of the hobby. For some, the returns will never diminish. For others, much much sooner.

You have a good quality ultrasonic record cleaner......that’s huge!  No rig can make up for dirty or poor quality records.
Inna, I have access to three Otari reel to reel machines, one of which I plan to bring into my system. We will have to stay in touch. What other sources exist for material other than the tape project?
Actually RTR should be capable of setting the reference standard for sound. Then you can try to approach it with vinyl but will probably never happen. Hi res digital might have a chance.
Oleschool,  

You mean PBN / VPI DD GrooveMaster :-)  We make these in many different configurations  The one you mention above is owned by a friend of mine.

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster

Above link to the BeltDrive units we make using parts sourced form VPI  and others.

Working on some very cool turntables currently - making 3 GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DP7 Custom - these are for Lyra and will be fitted with the Swedish SAT tonearm as the main arm and a SME 310 or a Custom Origin Live tonearm as the secondary arm.

There is also 3 of the GrooveMaster Vintage Direct DN308 in the works, these use the Denon DN308 Commercial grade Turntables as donors. They will be made into tabletop versions (the DN 308 is a console)  and will be fitted with SME312S or SME V12 tonearms.  

http://pbnaudio.com/audio-components/audio-turntables/groovemaster/groovemaster-vintage-direct

Good Listening

Peter