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.
128x128mmporsche
mmporsche, you could just jump right into the deep end of the pool along with me. Slipknot1 is selling his Walker Audio turntable because he's downsizing due to a recent illness. He's asking just $25k for the turntable, integrated linear tracking arm and Magic Diamond cartridge. I'd be happy to put you in touch with him. Unfortunately, he's on the opposite side of the country from you near Philadelphia, but he'll split the cost of shipping.
I agree inna , i was just responding to op comments. I would say that 150k mark sure would be sweet. Best of luck 
Did you see the psn vpi groovemaster dd for sale here ? 
 
"One mans floor is anothers ceiling" 

I don't think it is stupid, if you can afford it, it's your money and there are people of us who will help you spend it. But what I would like to know is how much you have invested in albums. Being new, do you already have a catalogue of albums to play on your new turntable or do you need to buy those also? I think Rushton was hitting all the right issues. Unless you are ready to go down that road, the 25K might be better spent elsewhere and taking a smaller plunge to see if it's for you might be a food idea also, as what don_c55 might have been getting at.