Now I get it...

Guys, I appreciate your thoughtful responses.  I think in my original post I should have flipped the narrative to say that I am amazed about just how awesome some of my records sound.  With my new set-up I am astounded about how some of my albums just make me go "Holy S***!"  While the others, most often the reissue 180 gram "audiophile pressings", are enjoyable but sound less alive.  There are exceptions to that rule, of course, but I think you all understand.  In other words, I now finally get the value of consideration paid in searching out really good vinyl.  Steve Hoffman forums have become my friend when looking for these reviews. YMMV.  Am I having fun?  Heck yes! 

Jerry,

Did you mention which speakers you use?

I too recently bought the same amp but at the
same time started a remodel of my listening room
so all the gear is packed into my office. Nearly done
with the work and can't wait to get it hooked up again.

Congrats on the new system!!

Jerry, I am an analog guy since the early 1970s.  I play CD in my car (and I do have a bad-ass car audio system) but probably will get streaming and a quality DAC next year.  I have bought a variety of high quality audio systems over the years and for the past 1 1/2 years have been creating the best system of my life.  I recently added a new Rega Planar 10 and a Lyra Delos phono cartridge (rather then the Rega cartridge) and it far surpasses the performance of my last deck.  I am quite certain the Manley Chinook phono stage and my BAT preamp & amp play a tremendous role in it all, as does the upper-end Audioquest signal cables, power cables, speaker cable, and power conditioner.  A system is just that, a system.  Mating some nicely matched components delivers a wonderful experience. The joy of vinyl is really quite something special.  When you sit in "the sweet spot" and just about fall into the music, and it's very 3-dimensional, almost holographic, there is nothing like it.  I have never heard streaming music do that.  Maybe it is capable, but I have not yet received that demonstration.  Steve Hoffman forums are very helpful on the subject of SQ for your particular albums of search, no doubt.  I will disagree with tablejocky, though, about avoiding reissues.  There are plenty that are a waste of money, no doubt about that.  But, there are so many that are spectacular and will provide that magical moment for you.  Just a few examples; Stevie Ray Vaughan, In Step (Analogue Productions and Quality Record Pressings), Paul Simon, Graceland (25th Anniversary Edition and RTI pressing), Carole King, Tapestry (Mobile fidelity Original Master Recording), Joni Mitchel, Blue, Jeff Beck, Blow By Blow (Analogue Productions and Quality Record Pressings, 45 RPM). 

There are so many more that sound so incredible, they can bring tears to your eyes.
Enjoy the journey and welcome to the wonderful world of vinyl.

Sometimes bad recordings can have endearing qualities that you will eventually recognize.

I wonder if you can purchase a more forgiving “musical” cartridge for poorer recordings?