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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I have an analogue front end that would be about $25K new - but I paid maybe half by buying used carefully over a few years.

You might want to consider doing that.
If someone doesn't mention his preferences in music and generally doesn't go into details, then there are reasons for that and in any case it's his business. Why push the man, even by some with elements of attempts at almost brainwashing ? Is this the price of 'club membership' to be like most? Also, some obviously envy his financial resources to a large degree. But even envy can be presented in different ways. He has to go on the defensive from time to time because we force him to. 
Bill's idea of local audiophiles is an excellent one, but I don't know if it can be realized, for various possible reasons. It's not West Coast, it's Denver, Colorado.

It was maxell tapes, not memorex...

I have a clearaudio innovation with an universal arm and an air tight cart.  Lovely sounding.  And above all, ultrasound cleaning is a must.   Needs to be included in any table thinking