My position on the use of audio equipment, is always with an element this is about the learning, but not permanently learning. When valuable lessons are had, they may be enough to want to maintain or they may be enough to be used as a viable alternate to experience a change to an ends sound on tracks that are enjoyed.
When it comes to Vinyl as a Source, I like to think I am using the Stylus to produce music, where it supported by auxiliaries in a permutation that allows the Cartridge to be its better self satisfying my own unique preference.
Up until very recently that has always been achieved using a SUT or Head Amp on a Phonostage that comes with a MC / MM Input. The MC Input might be in possession of a design where the Math strongly suggests the MC Input is the optimized circuit.
Math controls the design for the Signal Path and that is not end sound, I only assess by what is produced by the Speaker as a Kinetic Energy.
As the Cartridge is carrying out its role and is merrily losing its usage hours, I like the countdown to be exactly as I want the end sound to be and not what the Math is controlling the end sound to be.
Only pondering ideas and subsequently realizing them is the route I know to satisfying my own unique personal preference.
The OP is in my understanding of their recent inquiries and their notification of reinforcing ideas expressed through making a Purchase is certainly Walking the Walk, rewards will be found.
From Easter Time I wanted to seriously commence an investigation of my Digital Source. I was already lightly active prior to this, but was to become quite active in learning through using available information. It done my poor little brain - Discombobulated was I.
On the weekend after declaring my loss of bearings within my investigation. Wifey see my pain and transferred funds that resulted in my acquiring a SS DAC.
The SS DAC is now near being tangible and readied to be compared to my Valve DAC. As well as to be used in other permutations. As the ownership evolves it will be compared to loaned in DAC's that are to become available. Only now do I feel my investigation has any removed on from a blatant levity that was in place.