Thanks for sharing your findings on this. It's a lot of fun to reach a point with analog gear where it sounds better than digital.
One thing I would like to clarify is the use of mid-level in describing your set-up. These days I think mid-level is closer to $3-5K for TT plus preamp. I would put your TT in the (upper) entry level category simply based on price, not considering its performance. And I do wish to emphasize that you can get excellent performance in this price range with proper set-up. One of the nicest TT set-ups I've heard was less than $2K including cartridge. I would say that if you are hearing the differences you're hearing at this level you will be even more delighted when you move up to the next levels. There are diminishing points of return at some point but I am sure you will hear big improvements as you move up, assuming you have the desire to do so.
Most importantly, have fun as you go, and enjoy the music.
Peter
One thing I would like to clarify is the use of mid-level in describing your set-up. These days I think mid-level is closer to $3-5K for TT plus preamp. I would put your TT in the (upper) entry level category simply based on price, not considering its performance. And I do wish to emphasize that you can get excellent performance in this price range with proper set-up. One of the nicest TT set-ups I've heard was less than $2K including cartridge. I would say that if you are hearing the differences you're hearing at this level you will be even more delighted when you move up to the next levels. There are diminishing points of return at some point but I am sure you will hear big improvements as you move up, assuming you have the desire to do so.
Most importantly, have fun as you go, and enjoy the music.
Peter