I have gone through an almost identical exercise, getting back into vinyl after a 35 years absence. For more information see: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7324 . Based on my experience, setting up a TT/Pickup arm/Cartridge is not difficult, just takes a lot of patience and care. I am extremely pleased with the sound of this system. If you want to hear how good vinyl is now, listen to the MFSL Ultradisc of Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks. Sounds like a master tape IMHO, simply mesmerizing. If anyone is interested the McIntosh C50 is for sale, having just upgraded to a C52.
Turntable
So in our never ending quest of upgrades i am looking to get into vinyl again.my last turntable was a technics over 35 years ago. This is my current equipment.Aragon aurum preamp Aragon palladium monoblocks nordost spm interconects and speaker wire.Focal electras 920. Digital playback is a Yba integre cd player. Room is about 12x27 . Budget would be 2500 to 3000. Dollares. More importantly having little knowledge on setting up a turntable i want to buy new and from a local brick and mortar dealer. So here are the choices.Mofi , pro ject, rega ,marantz and denon.