Converting to Analog

Yes,Its lots of work to get it right.
Besides a TT you'll need a phono pre and a cartridge that work together.
Proper setup is a must.
A record wet-vac is mandatory IMO
Cleaning a dozen LP's at once can take a hour or more.Besides that, the jackets of used LPs usually are soiled and can stink.They need to be cleaned also.Rice paper sleeves for the vinyl and a decent cover for the jacket should be used.
There's tons of used vinyl out there for pennies a pound but many need proper cleaning they probably have never seen.
Proper TT placement is huge too or you can run into acoustic feedback and other nasties.
Some other items you'll need is a protractor,stylus gauge,tweezers,level,stylus brush,stylus cleaner,some sort of vinyl conditioner such as groove-glide,stylast etc.
Plus be prepared when family or friends say " a record player? why, when you can play CD's??"
The world of vinyl will open your eyes and ears but be prepared to work for it.

Sorry,I only answered your second question.
Can you get the level of sound you heard without spending 10 K ??
Be ready to spend at least 2-3 K to get "near" that level but you won't hit it.I think you'll be happy anyway.

I recently made the jump back into analog. I have an ARC Ref 2 (tube) preamp, Plinius SA 250 MK IV (ss) amp. I did spend around $7500 for a VPI Mk.V turntable w/Graham 2.2 arm and Ruby Benz 2 cartridge, BAT PK V phono preamp and Synergistic Research tonearm cable.

Most of my nonaudiophile friends claim they can't hear the difference when I a/b the same album and cd. I find the analog sound more natural and prefer the analog to the cd of the same music. Now I'm enjoying albums I haven't listened to in over 20 years. Fortunately, I've always keep my albums clean and never left them out on the turntable. Most of them sound great. You will definately need a good cleaning machine. The VPI 16.5 or 17 are considered the best out there. Good luck, you won't regret it.

I believe that analogue reproduction is always according to the price you're investing. To get the sound level for $10k you must either spend $10k or acquire it used for less.

Good post David99!
I just got back to vinyl and find it hard to listen to most CD's anymore. In fact, I'm listening to music more now, finding that vinyl is much more pleasing to the ear -- none of that harsh digital edge on the highs.
I'm sure I don't have the sound of the "Show," but I do have analog at the same level as my digital and am VERY satisfied.
I started with a VPI HW-19 jr, a Rega RB300 arm, and a Grado cartridge, plus rewiring the arm and other modifications, for around $1500, to keep my investment down and see if I really would be into it. Well, yes I am!
CD's are about convenience, but, in my book, my ears are happier with vinyl.