Best turntable for the buck

OP,

Yes, the impact of a great phono stage is incredible. I remember purchasing a $200 “A Recommended Component” Phonostage from Stereophile nearly 40 years ago. It sounded just terrible, I mean really bad. That started my upgrading that only slowed when I bought an Audio Research PH2… but upgraded as fast as I could afford it. The impact only slowed when I bought an $8K (I think) Audio Research PH8… but I continued upgrading and getting benefited to my current ARC REF 3. Really important!

The only downside is that the preamp reveals the flaws in bad records as much as it enhances the quality in good sounding records.
The other issue I’m having (not really a problem but a concern) is the difference in texture between the records and digital sources. Digital sources are more finely etched with better sound staging whereas analog rounds off the edges a bit, but still has wonderful detail.
‘That might be a cartridge issue.

Get a few hundred hours of use under the Phon's belt and then re-evaluate.

Also when all components are with a run in period, there is also the odd device that likes a warm up from usage prior to it letting the full potential be revealed.  

@rvpiano congrats. Regarding your comment about 'rounded edges':

Of course this may be a cart or table issue. It is even be possible it is just different than your digital ( without hearing it I could not presume which is closer to 'real'...). Commonly though it could be related to the need to fine tune cart setup &/or loading at the preamp. Maybe both. Takes time to experiment.

+1 @solypsa