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

Once I got used to digital, it was very difficult to go back to listening scratchy sound and diminished dynamic range on my Linn Sondek LP12 + SME 3009R + Nagaoka MP500 + Schiit Mani phono stage.

Even tho I consider my tt system to be decent, I find myself listening to digital more and more because of clean sound, convenience and its great dynamic headroom.

Many people here will disagree with me but vinyl is inherently inferior since it is impossible to store a wider dynamic range on it due to the limitation of the medium itself. Necessity of the RIAA equalizers in phono preamps are the proof of this.

But.... if you are dead set on it, I would recommend a DD table like a Technics, an MM cartridge like Ortofon black, Goldring or Nagaoka and a reasonable phono preamp. MM cartridges are more convenient since you can replace the stylus.  Belt driven tables are nice but a hassle in the long run. There is no need to spend any more on any analog gear since you will not hear any improvement in sound and it will not be worth spending any more on more expensive analog gear.

@cakyol

LOL! I just transitioned from digital to analog! I would have to agree with you that most people will enjoy digital more than analog, especially with analog rigs costing less than $7-10k; however, at the top end, analog is much, much superior in musical quality and enjoyment.

Start with a MC cartridge that costs $2k+, and you’ll begin to hear the differences, but for cartridges less than $2k, I would have to agree with you that digital will be much more superior in sound quality. 

Just wanted to say thanks to this community. I learned so much here and appreciate you guys sharing with a guy new to all of this!

@saulh Hi Saul, I have just seen I did not reply to your suggestion of using a Okki Nokki Device for cleaning records.

A machine is a convenience, I have a DIY design Ultrasonic Bath and a Motor unit to control the LPs during the clean cycle all in cost approx' £200.

I also have cleaning solutions prepared  and the consumables for a manual cleaning method, as advised by Neil Antin in his document produced for Vinyl LP Cleaning.   

I have the manual method down to about 10 minutes a LP when done as batch of Six, when LP Number Six is complete LP's One and Two are dry and good to go into a New Inner Sleeve, or be played and the given their New Sleeve.

The Manual Method has produced such good results, I am wed to it, I have not even set the US Tank up to be used for the final rinse only as I intended, as the results are so impressive from the manual clean method.  

@pindac intriguing. Your post made me do some research. Maybe this Vevor Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner will do the trick for $200.