Dipping my toe into analog

If you can find a store with a TT or TT's set-up and actually running, I would do some listening before investing any money in what you have. In spite of what one of the answers would have you believe, TT's are quite complex when it comes to real enjoyment. I'm not talking $$ spent as much as I am correct set-up. This includes cartridge type, correct cartridge set-up, cartridge matching for gain with a phono preamp, the quality of the Phono-Preamp, and what the TT sits on - the proper isolation. Oh, did I mention a record cleaning machine? I guess I just did. I would also say that any modestly priced TT built in the last 3 or 4 years is vastly superior to your old Thorens. TT design has taken a huge leap forward in inexpensive to moderately priced units. Try to find a shop carrying Music Hall TT's. Something like a Music Hall 5 which has an integrated arm and already includes a cartridge chosen by the Company for optimum sound really simplifies things. The dealer should be able to offer advice on what Phono-Preamp is a good match for the cartridge. If you think I'm being picky, well I am, but getting it right from soup to nuts will open a whole new world of music reproduction to you and may even keep you from spinning aluminum discs.