Allow myself to introduce...myself

Welcome! coldducktime
there has never been a better time to get into this wonderful hobby.
Much gear is avail on the used/demo market. Watch this site, as well as, eBay and US Audio Mart every week. If you are fortunate enough to have local dealer/retailers, visit regularly and listen to as much gear as possible.
Have fun.
Happy Listening!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. 

Regarding my generous budget, it is somewhere in the many tens of dollars. My first career as a woodworker left me broke and I couldn't afford to improve my rig. Now I've changed careers, but with my background a good set of DIY speakers would be a breeze for me. 

My first step might be to get the Sumiko BPS retipped, at some point a small child or cat broke it, I've been limping along with a red Ortofon. The GAS Thalia has gotten a bit noisy in one channel, even after cleaning all the pots and contacts. I'm sure it's repairable but I wouldn't mind something new. 

I don't know where all the used hi-fi shops went, I would love to spend a day auditioning some gear. I live in the SF East Bay so if anybody knows any secret hole-in-the-wall shops please let me know.

Check out my rig in Virtual Systems. Click on my name and click Details to get an idea of the more frugal route to great sound. 

^^^  noromance ...

Love that vintage system. If I were starting over, I'd go for one of the rebuilt classic turntables with the custom plinth. I have a couple of friends who have done so ... and those tables interject life into the music that has to be heard to be believed. 

Frank