The best way to start adding A=analog to my system

@sns 

"But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover  and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value."

That's the heart talking!  I thought so!

Yes, I'm lucky I don't have to start from scratch.  And quality of old pressings is very often better than current ones, a lot of poor vinyl used now.  But if a youngster is into vinyl now there is a lifetime to build a collection.

My collection is similar to yours - more than 3000 pieces, built up since the early 1960s, some really valuable items now, very nostalgic.  Will never part while I have ears.

I also think 'new' music is mostly over-rated.  Unlike many here, I don't listen to much new stuff and what I do I usually don't keep.  Kinda puts me off streaming.

Introducing vinyl playback can lead to substantial expense.  My first action would be to upgrade the digital playback.  Put the CDs on a NAS (with SSD) and get a recent streamer/DAC (eg Meitner MA3).  If still wanting vinyl playback be aware in addition to the familiar cartridge technology (MM, MI, MC, strain gauge) there is affordable optical from DS Audio, https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/ds003/

I have used a Well Tempered TT/TA for 35 years and only now am considering replacing it. Not many products give lasting satisfaction like that. Give them a look. One thing about theirs is I have never had a static pop in all those years. Before, with LP12 and SOTA Sapphires it was a constant wintertime struggle. Stressless analog is good!

To get really good, satisfying, enjoyable vinyl playback needn’t be expensive.

I have 18 turntables, all legacy designs. I have 130 vintage cartridges. I have 5,000 LPs.

Anyone who says you must spend $2K+ on a table, $2K+ on a cartridge, $2K+ on a phono pre,  $2K+ on a record cleaner, is high as a kite!

A vintage table of $400, a vintage cart of $200, hand cleaning your records, and using the built-in phono pre of a competent $300 vintage receiver is all you need to reap full enjoyment from a collection of vinyl.

Don’t overthink or over spend this. It just isn’t necessary.

I suggest Technics 1200GR/G is a good place to start. Technics is often overlooked but I think you will spend almost double the $4k cost to even start to take the 1200G down. The 1200GR is said to be 85% the sonic qualities of the G. And this is out of the box...should you need a Jelco or SME arm, there are readily available adapters for that. The motors on these tables outclass everything on your list.

I own the 1200G and it will be my last table. I also considered all the tables on your list. Nothing wrong with them. But, in-person, the Technics looks and feels very credible (an understatement).

I will say this: you want control of ALL the setup parameters (including anti-skate, VTA and Azimuth). These are very easy, precise and repeatable on all Technics turntables. Also I believe a good gimbal pivot is less fussy, more reliable and generally the preferred way to conduct a tonearm. The quality of bearings in just the standard SL1200 mk2 surpasses most turntables in its class. The new gimbals are better.

The suggestion for AT540ML cartridge is a good one for a first MM. The AT33PTGII is a good MC starting point.

I can also recommend the Hagerman Trumpet MC phono stage for MC carts. Read up on this stage before buying another. It will play MM but probably not the best match for AT MMs.