Here’s some advice you haven't asked for. I’ve been doing this for a long time--in vinyl and in digital.
However vinyl and digital start out at affordable levels, as you go up the chain, and do it right in each case, they do converge in SQ IMO. I have many of the same performances in vinyl and in digital. Not all vinyl pressings are great. Not all digital renderings of original analog recordings are done as well as possible. But when they’re all done well, and with a good enough set up it would be hard to tell the difference. And I mean even in the low level and spacial artifacts that audiophiles crave.
I enjoy my vinyl. My records are like old friends. For the great bulk of them I do not have the same in digital. But vinyl is a pain in the neck, and will always be. New software is very expensive and often inferior to original editions. The search for used vinyl in really good condition can be never-ending. Digital is easy and software is cheap either by used media (which generally plays as good as new) or by subscriptions.
So, if I did not already have an extensive record collection, I personally would not embark anew on the vinyl journey unless the hobbyist in you far outweighs the interest in music. Best IMO to put all of your effort and $$$ into improving your digital. A new DAC is just the beginning.
I know I’m on an analog board so I’m reaching for my shield now. :-)
However vinyl and digital start out at affordable levels, as you go up the chain, and do it right in each case, they do converge in SQ IMO. I have many of the same performances in vinyl and in digital. Not all vinyl pressings are great. Not all digital renderings of original analog recordings are done as well as possible. But when they’re all done well, and with a good enough set up it would be hard to tell the difference. And I mean even in the low level and spacial artifacts that audiophiles crave.
I enjoy my vinyl. My records are like old friends. For the great bulk of them I do not have the same in digital. But vinyl is a pain in the neck, and will always be. New software is very expensive and often inferior to original editions. The search for used vinyl in really good condition can be never-ending. Digital is easy and software is cheap either by used media (which generally plays as good as new) or by subscriptions.
So, if I did not already have an extensive record collection, I personally would not embark anew on the vinyl journey unless the hobbyist in you far outweighs the interest in music. Best IMO to put all of your effort and $$$ into improving your digital. A new DAC is just the beginning.
I know I’m on an analog board so I’m reaching for my shield now. :-)