Allow myself to introduce...myself

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.

noromance I love those Garrards with the fancy plinths, never thought of doing that.

The SOTA isn’t going anywhere, I’ve always been very happy with it. Good to know I can still get belts for it. The suspension does sag a bit on one side but I level it to the platter and everything is groovy.

I am fairly happy with my Adire DIY speakers, they do a decent job with imaging but where they really shine is the bass, it is the most warm, controlled and lifelike I’ve ever heard outside a jazz club. And they roll off quite deep in the range.

The rich guy who gave me the SOTA played Bru’s "Time In" on his Vandersteens when I picked it up. The opening of "Lost Waltz" was an experience I’ll never forget, when the band explodes into that scorching romp. It was like being in the studio and the hair on my neck stood up. The Sumiko BPS definitely had something to do with it. So that is something I am interested in recreating, my current setup doesn’t quite get me there.

Whitestix, yeah that Swiss Movement album is an absolute blast. The energy between Les and Eddie goes straight to your soul, and it's so fun to hear the audience's reaction.

I spent a few years as an A/V technician, and understanding what I do about electricity I’ve always had a hard time believing that a cable could have much audible effect, at least to human ears. But, heck, maybe there is something to it.

I do also believe that the most important place to spend money in a system is anywhere that energy changes state, such as a stylus or speaker. These devices require the highest level of engineering and materials to minimize distortion.