I’ve just recently gotten into higher-end equipment and wasn’t sure if I would have much interest in listening to vinyl again. But after reading the lofty assessments of people here who claimed that vinyl has been the best source of their listening pleasure, I bought a Denon DP-300f with a 2M Red, which costs less than your Pro-Ject and I am guessing doesn’t sound as good as your TT. I had my old records and I inherited (were left behind) others, and I am in the process of cleaning them (almost finished, thankfully). The condition of the records varies — some sound very nice, others are slightly noisy, and some are don’t-play-that-again (fortunately, my TT also came with a lesser-quality Denon cart which I am using to sample these records and save wear on the Ortofon).
For now, Im satisfied with what I have. I still don’t intend to listen to records a lot, as I find the whole thing a bit fiddly. Digital is so much easier, and quiet. New records today, especially the audiophile variety, are pricey — seen some costing $50 to $100 (!) — and they take up space to store. I could see spending such money on a few to-die-for pressings, but overall I would rather just listen to digital. To each their own. My next moves will be to try a better room arrangement and perhaps some room treatments. I enjoy the sound of a nice stereo set-up but I have to balance the expense of that with other things I enjoy. Good luck in your decisions.
For now, Im satisfied with what I have. I still don’t intend to listen to records a lot, as I find the whole thing a bit fiddly. Digital is so much easier, and quiet. New records today, especially the audiophile variety, are pricey — seen some costing $50 to $100 (!) — and they take up space to store. I could see spending such money on a few to-die-for pressings, but overall I would rather just listen to digital. To each their own. My next moves will be to try a better room arrangement and perhaps some room treatments. I enjoy the sound of a nice stereo set-up but I have to balance the expense of that with other things I enjoy. Good luck in your decisions.