The best way to start adding A=analog to my system

It seems you WILL stick with Vinyl (i.e. not a novice just curious who might try and not stick with it).

I’m 73, after many steps I ended up with a TT with 3 tonearms, 3 cartridges ready to instantly swap back and forth in a single listening session, all adjustments/alignments already done.

I’m currently helping a friend upgrade to a single arm TT.

I would limit my arm choice to a removable headshell. If arm comes with TT, limit TT choice to removable headshell.

Next, start with a darn good but not too expensive MM (moving magnet) Cartridge. Definitely not a cheap or used cartridge.

AT 540ML is an excellent start at a great price. Advanced Microlinear Stylus shape.

Wide separation and tight channel balance combine to help imaging be more precisely revealed.

later if you move on to MC (moving coil) and/or more expensive cartridges (in their own headshells, ready to interchange) , the 540 will still be great to play favorite, fun, but not sonically great LP’s.

. That avoids needlessly adding wear to a costly non-replaceable stylus. I use the prior 440 version for that. Eventually you might want a MONO cartridge, again pre-mounted, ready to go. I would start out with a highly favored but not too expensive Phono stage. There is a lot of love here for Schiitt gear. Get there by not too costly pieces, then if/when you move up the chain, you will have less reluctance. ............. Next, we have the very important alignment of tonearm and cartridge. Success depends on alignment, the best and most exspensive setup will not sound good unless alignment is correct. You start with zero skills I suspect, so the initial setup needs to be by the factory, seller, experienced friend, or you buy a cheap toy cartridge and learn/practice on an unimportant LP, then mount your real cartridge. A few inexpensive tools are needed to align a cartridge. You will benefit all your life if you acquire the skills and tools to do it yourself. I found and my friend just purchased this Linear Tracking TT. Some, like this, allow ’real’ headshells and ’real’ cartridges, whereas most linear use lightweight arms and lightweight P mount cartridges which is less preferred. I use one of those in my garage/shop system. Linear is much easier to align, there is no anti-skating force/adjustment; and no null points to align. Mitsubishi LT-22 https://www.ebay.com/itm/175178913701 An LT-20 is for sale, serviced, ready to go https://www.ebay.com/itm/403574581130?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=1d23cc20-b0f2-11ec-81f6-613737316664 I know how to change the belts (easy) so I would also consider this LT-30 https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649842857-for-repair-mitsubishi-lt-30-linear-tracking-turntable/ If your setup benefits from a Vertical TT (like my office)the Vertical Version, LT-5V. It is belt drive, the horizontal versions are quartz locked direct drive, my preference in my main system. here you see belts, dust covers, parts and several are for sale https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=mitsubishi+lt-5v https://www.vinylengine.com/library/mitsubishi/lt-5v.shtml ......................... you can see my systems here https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9511

I’m not pushing my choices, just concepts and only equipment I have personal experience with

links repeated

LT-22 I just found for my friend (scroll down)

vertical LT-5V

hifishark, LT-5V, parts are available

LT-20 for sale

my systems, TTs shown here

@clearthinker I wasn't making blanket statement with digital vs. analog, just directed solely at my present setups. What you suggest I do has been often contemplated by me. Which brings to mind another factor is starting vinyl setup from scratch. I purchased vast majority of my records back in 80's at record shows and used record stores, I don't recall ever paying much more than $10, often $5 or less for these albums. Last time I went through some of my albums to determine values, I discovered some hot stampers and other rather rare albums, in some cases value was into the $100's. Since this was a few years ago, I'd expect values have only gone up, When I think in this manner it would seem a no-brainer to sell off entire collection and vinyl setup. At this point 50/50 as to whether I do this or not.

This also brings to mind that starting vinyl setup from scratch these days would be a no go for me. Between inflation and far more sophisticated vinyl market where record values easily determined, it would be far too costly for me.

Another aspect of digital vs. analog that favors digital to my way of thinking is access to far more music with streaming vs. vinyl, the very reason I've concentrated on digital upgrades vs analog. While $3k+ albums seems like a large collection, it pales in comparison to streaming. Also, the storage of these albums is a bear, I've got albums stashed all over my house, simply takes up too much physical space in listening room to have more than perhaps one quarter of them at the ready for playing. I just may have talked myself out of maintaining this mass 🤔

But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover  and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value. https://digest.bps.org.uk/2017/10/24/the-psychology-behind-why-we-value-physical-objects-over-digital/

Real helpful when the "experts" here say you've got to spend $15,000 to get started in vinyl.  My suggestion: get the Rega P3 with a Rega cartridge, build up a record collection, THEN think about a TT/cart upgrade.  Unless you are a gear junkie, the vinyl software should always be more important than the hardware.

@sns 

"But then, there is the nostalgic factor and the nice cover  and gatefold art. Also, having actual physical media gives one a feeling of ownership, real intrinsic value."

That's the heart talking!  I thought so!

Yes, I'm lucky I don't have to start from scratch.  And quality of old pressings is very often better than current ones, a lot of poor vinyl used now.  But if a youngster is into vinyl now there is a lifetime to build a collection.

My collection is similar to yours - more than 3000 pieces, built up since the early 1960s, some really valuable items now, very nostalgic.  Will never part while I have ears.

I also think 'new' music is mostly over-rated.  Unlike many here, I don't listen to much new stuff and what I do I usually don't keep.  Kinda puts me off streaming.