I'm in the camp of those recommending a vintage, inexpensive table. Full automatic for ease of use. Vinyl is definitely not push a button operation and requires some amount of effort. In my case I run 2 tables. One is a VPI scout mated to a Rogue Pharaoh dedicated to analog and the other (vintage Sony Ps4300 fully automatic) put a disc on platter and push a button is mated to my digital system. If I want convenience I use the digital system. When I am more patient I go analog. Completely different experiences, neither fails to give me joy although I have to say that the analog difference is more pleasure but also more tedious.
Happy with digital, but thinking about vinyl--looking for system specific recommendations
I just upgraded my dac to the Chord Qutest which seems perfect for my system. And in the months between that order & its arrival, I also found a great deal on a Croft Micro 25R (already had the basic 25 preamp). Since it has an allegedly excellent tube MM phono stage, it seems a shame to not make use of it at least occasionally. I don't have much experience here, so I'm hoping for some ideas of what might be a good match to my system (ProAc Studio 148 speakers, First Watt M2 amp, Cardas Neutral Reference IC's & Anticables 3.1 speaker wire), preferably the least expensive turntable/cartridge option that's still good enough to make me want to actually not just click 'play' on Tidal. Thanks.