Cartridges

My "premium" cartridge makes every LP sound better, even the crappy mid-80's pressings.  Old 1960's folkways sound great too.  A good cleaning and a good cartridge really make a difference.  But a great turntable is a real plus.  

Having said that, some of the newer audiophile pressings are sounding superb.  Really black backgrounds.  

Love It!

Based on pindac’s comments, my Transfig Atria is already worn out! I got it used from a family member already on the VPI and it’s probably 8 yrs old. He’s an avid listener too. I didn’t know carts had such limited lifespan. However, the lower freq is the only issue my ears detect in the Axia. Bass punch not as good as the digital side or even as good as the vintage Technics table I set aside with a Grado silver MM. I’ll do some research on cart wear and the exact makeup of my VPI tonearm.

"I got it used from a family member already on the VPI and it’s probably 8 yrs old. He’s an avid listener too."

A fresh stylus may be all that’s needed. Bass punch should be at least on par with your other sources, but it is cart model dependent. Some are more prevalent than others.

I wouldn’t get too caught up with all the comments on reality of VPI’s "inferior" design. As mentioned, I use the same model, and there is no shortage of the spectrum low to high. For reference, I have heard plenty of uber setups throughout the years. And yes, an unmolested period copy for $3 bucks of most anything can sound spectacular thru the VPI Classic, but setup and phonostage flavor(SS or tube)can be a game changer. I use an all-tube setup.

OP,

A common dilemma these days. I have equal sounding analog and digital ends. They were of equal cost (see my profile)… ~$45K each. I have a long history with analog. And a collection of 2,000 mostly pristine albums and audiophile releases I have collected over + 50 years. 
 

I don’t play my analog rig much… but it is fun when I do, or to go to the used record store to find some hidden gems.

If I was doing this today without a large vinyl collection I would double my investment on the digital side and know I was on the future proof side. Unless, you really like the nostalgia and fun of cartridges, tone arms and the like. 
 

Also, for most of my life my phono stage has been a real drag on my system. One needs a really good one to get the most out of your system.

i believe in buying the best pressings you can afford of the records you love most. if that's a hot stamper or whatever, RIP your wallet. in my experience a quality pressing makes itself known on even the most modest systems, whereas an expensive cartridge might have a huge, or very little impact - based on all the gear that follows it. just my .02c 

should also add that the best analog rig i've ever heard (rosewood koetsu on a feickert) made everything sound better, but the better pressings still revealed themselves