Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

$500 Okki Nokki machine with Audio Intelligent three step fluid system and three Disc Doctor brushes works just fine. The key is to soak with fluid one and two before vacuuming off regardless of how vinyl looks. I usually soak for about 10 minutes with each, sometimes twice. And the last step is double water rinse, double water. Very time consuming.

again thanks all for input.......... been away about 4 days in Shenandoah NP visit.. only 2 weeks before moving van comes.. I’m interesting learn about separate phone stages versus say the one built into the luxman 590axII -- as this was mention in the inputs -- thanks

all the record "cleaning" devices is a whole other learning area

Yep, record cleaning is a whole new thing. Good bang for buck too.

I use ultrasound. In my system, it made almost as big a difference as going from good moving magnet to great moving coil. For 20% of the money - actually, about the cost of a set of fairly costly cables.

steventoney,

Again, good suggestions from members. Record Cleaning. U.S. is best.

This site will keep you busy and your money well spent. whart and terry9 have gone the DIY route with U.S. cleaning ( A good way )

Your vinyl budget of 15 to 20k is good. Maybe a little "stretch" room if your like me and have to have it now.  So...., My suggestions.

Make your move , Pick out Your speakers. Use Your Ears and eyes. You will be the one living with them!

TT = For my (3rd TT) ; I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on a Technics SL1200 G. ( Not wait for the (10R )
Use tonearm that comes with the TT.
Cartridge = So many choices and so many that I have Not heard. Pick something in 1-2k range.

Tube Phonostage =  ( I use a Manley Steelhead ) It is spendy even if you find on used market. Zero problems, responds to 'tube rolling', Dead Quiet ( counts a lot with me ) Look for a Manley Chinook on the used market. All the above applies.

For "the stretch part" of your budget; Think Room treatments.

Enjoy your vinyl journey.
Best to you 

Well -- I got out and listened to some devore speakers today -- Gibbon X

I liked the sound on a variety of material played through a clearaudio TT and some Auralic streamer and linear magentic integrated tube amp

I still likely will stay on my Luxman 590 bent for now -- but what I heard was good -- I will go back in a few days as they will set up some devore 0/93 speaker to listen to as well -- they have no 0/96 in stock

the Gibbon X are a contender, but many more listen to do...

The ClearAudio Concept Wood with Satisfy Carbon Fiber tonearm and Clear Audio Maestro V2 MM cartridge was nice -- I may well start with this TT and set up... after looking at my friends VPI Scout setup -- starting with a good TT and can update if I wish later