I've been following this thread with interest because I never got that vinyl rush either. I started with a VPI as well. September I upgraded to a Rega RP-10 with Apheta 2. It was a solid performer, interesting but lackluster. At 120 plays things changed rapidly. Now at 266 plays it's a real contender. But to back up a bit, two weeks ago I received the Herron phono stage. It's a perfect fit with the Rega combo. After years of jumping through hoops, this is finally the vinyl magic we crave. It works with the good, the bad and the ugly.
Certainly the Rega is as close to plug and play as it gets. It did take me 8 tries to align the Apheta 2. It had to be *just so* or the presentation was boring, boring, boring with fits of sibilance or high amplitude breakup. It was a big help not worrying about azimuth and VTA during that ordeal and well worth the time. Having said that, a digital system that checked all the boxes and drew me into the music for more than 20 minutes might kill the ongoing commitment that analog absolutely requires. Analog is as much a hobby as it is a means to an end. May you find your motivation.
Certainly the Rega is as close to plug and play as it gets. It did take me 8 tries to align the Apheta 2. It had to be *just so* or the presentation was boring, boring, boring with fits of sibilance or high amplitude breakup. It was a big help not worrying about azimuth and VTA during that ordeal and well worth the time. Having said that, a digital system that checked all the boxes and drew me into the music for more than 20 minutes might kill the ongoing commitment that analog absolutely requires. Analog is as much a hobby as it is a means to an end. May you find your motivation.