Turntables.....A point of diminishing returns?


   This post is sure to elicit many opinions. Everyone knows that a good audio system is a series of building blocks. Amps, speakers, cables, etc. To find the weakest block in any system can be a challenge to make a particular system sound as good as possible given the funds on hand. Almost anything can be improved upon. But, where does it end? There seems to be a point that an audio system, thru improvements, is about as good as it will sound. At least to the owner.
   No end to opinions about analog sound. Tables, carts, cables, amps, setup, and others. With all the renewed interest in vinyl, many are looking to optimize their current setup and others are content with what they have. Congrats to those. Other than looking at this as just a hobby, at what point does one just say...that's all my system is capable?
   I say this because in the audio world there is almost no limit as to how much money can be spent on equipment. If you fit into that category, I am envious. "Oh..Look at what this costs". But, as far as sound goes, is there really any tremendous benefit to spending mega dollars on equipment? I single out turntables because it's one of pieces that can demand those big dollars. One who can afford expensive tables probably has the funds for other expensive components.
   Look at this table. For $650k I wonder if it sounds many times better than the one I have.....
 http://www.dj-rooms.com/avdesignhaus-dereneville-vpm2010/

jrpnde
I am not sure at which point we have finishing returns.  Maybe at the $5000 mark?

My table is the VPI Avenger Reference with Fatboy... so that’s like what?  $21,000?

I am betting the SAT is still better by a significant amount in the aspects of reproduction that matters.  At some point, what matters to you may seem large even if to someone else it is infinitesmall.
@joey_v I think you hit the nail on the head "At some point, what matters to you may seem large even if to someone else it is infinitesimal."
Exotic turntables are like museum pieces.   You don’t judge them solely on performance.  Consider them engineering works of art. 
@lewm , "pimped out hymn to bad taste" That is the best expression I have heard in a long time and a florid understatement:-) Even the Air Force Zero is several hundred steps too far. 
To put this degree of effort into a medium that is inherently imperfect defies reason other than there might be a few uneducated rich people to make money off of. They are much better off buying art work. It might actually appreciate. These tables are just as likely to sound worse as better and I am very serious about that. Over the years I have heard some very ornate equipment that did not sound so hot certainly relative to the expense. It is entirely possible that some very reasonable well designed turntables might even out perform many, if not all of these mega buck tables. Anyone can throw a lot of money at a problem. The trick is to solve it for as little as possible. This not only goes for turntables, but cartridges and speakers as well.
Think about it. you can drive to work in a Honda Accord or a Lamborghini Hurican. Who is going to be more comfortable? What about the Honda vs a Mercedes 300 E. Not much difference. I can understand liking finely crafted and engineered things but in realty the Mercedes and Lambo are just raw ego for many of the people that buy them. They can not be seen driving a lowly Honda. If driving excellence and fun are the issue you buy a 911.
IMHO there in no need to spend more than $20K on turntable, tonearm and cartridge. $60K gets you a very marginal, questionably audible improvement. More than that? Go get yourself a Ferrari. At least you'll have something nice to look at.