JM,
I was on a similar quest so I can relate to your question. You will receive a lot of different opinions that will more or less justify the various responders own buying decisions. The path they chose or their research effort might differ from your mission though.
Let your ears decide. Listen to as much kit as you can. I live in Seattle and heard TT systems costing as little as $1200 all the way up to $125,000.
I started with an all Rega system plus a SONOS Connect as my streamer. I then set about upgrading everything. This included adding a Rega P6, Ania MC and a Rega Aria II for a phono stage. I then upgraded my amplification, speakers and digital source. I found new annoying things in my digital system which led to more changes and trial and error. My mission was getting more consistent satisfaction from my digital kit as I was getting from my turntable station. I found that you never quite get there.
I found myself being both hot and cold with buying and playing records once I had a really nice system. Lately I find it enjoyable to play records. I upgraded my phono stage to a Parasound JC3+ which is a nice upgrade from the Rega Aria. I have contemplated upgrading my table and cartridge but to be honest I am really enjoying the sound!
You would not be the first digital guy to think he should go all in with vinyl but later found himself still streaming most of the time. I think a lot of this is how you pick albums to buy, the access to record stores and the kind of music you enjoy. The quality of digital recordings can be great or cold and harsh. Same thing with vinyl. So I would not bother buying a top grade “last table I will ever buy” table right now. You might suffer from poor resale if you decide to back out. Same thing with records. I would go slow: get old favs, get known audiophile recordings and get new stuff to expand your horizon. But don’t buy records just to have a large instant collection. Go slow and compare the sound against your streaming system at different sound levels. Only you can determine if adding a record collection and table station is right for you…
I was on a similar quest so I can relate to your question. You will receive a lot of different opinions that will more or less justify the various responders own buying decisions. The path they chose or their research effort might differ from your mission though.
Let your ears decide. Listen to as much kit as you can. I live in Seattle and heard TT systems costing as little as $1200 all the way up to $125,000.
I started with an all Rega system plus a SONOS Connect as my streamer. I then set about upgrading everything. This included adding a Rega P6, Ania MC and a Rega Aria II for a phono stage. I then upgraded my amplification, speakers and digital source. I found new annoying things in my digital system which led to more changes and trial and error. My mission was getting more consistent satisfaction from my digital kit as I was getting from my turntable station. I found that you never quite get there.
I found myself being both hot and cold with buying and playing records once I had a really nice system. Lately I find it enjoyable to play records. I upgraded my phono stage to a Parasound JC3+ which is a nice upgrade from the Rega Aria. I have contemplated upgrading my table and cartridge but to be honest I am really enjoying the sound!
You would not be the first digital guy to think he should go all in with vinyl but later found himself still streaming most of the time. I think a lot of this is how you pick albums to buy, the access to record stores and the kind of music you enjoy. The quality of digital recordings can be great or cold and harsh. Same thing with vinyl. So I would not bother buying a top grade “last table I will ever buy” table right now. You might suffer from poor resale if you decide to back out. Same thing with records. I would go slow: get old favs, get known audiophile recordings and get new stuff to expand your horizon. But don’t buy records just to have a large instant collection. Go slow and compare the sound against your streaming system at different sound levels. Only you can determine if adding a record collection and table station is right for you…