Cartridges

OP,

A common dilemma these days. I have equal sounding analog and digital ends. They were of equal cost (see my profile)… ~$45K each. I have a long history with analog. And a collection of 2,000 mostly pristine albums and audiophile releases I have collected over + 50 years. 
 

I don’t play my analog rig much… but it is fun when I do, or to go to the used record store to find some hidden gems.

If I was doing this today without a large vinyl collection I would double my investment on the digital side and know I was on the future proof side. Unless, you really like the nostalgia and fun of cartridges, tone arms and the like. 
 

Also, for most of my life my phono stage has been a real drag on my system. One needs a really good one to get the most out of your system.

i believe in buying the best pressings you can afford of the records you love most. if that's a hot stamper or whatever, RIP your wallet. in my experience a quality pressing makes itself known on even the most modest systems, whereas an expensive cartridge might have a huge, or very little impact - based on all the gear that follows it. just my .02c 

should also add that the best analog rig i've ever heard (rosewood koetsu on a feickert) made everything sound better, but the better pressings still revealed themselves 

All of the above😉.  You won't appreciate the Hot Stampers without the cart and rig to bring out the difference.  And the money just keeps rolling out the door🙄.

Beware there's a thousand ways to select and optimize a cart, tonearm, turntable combination; research and demos prior to spending will serve you well.

It might be the case that there will be a slight compromise in certain assemblies of equipment in use, to fully appreciate a Hot Stamper Pressing qualities.

Through owning the Hot Stamper, it is quite likely there will be a time it will appreciate, and that 'will' be appreciated. 

Thanks again to all! I live in SC where there is no access to audio shows or even any good retail outlets where you can demo components. I’m no spring chicken and since my dynamite system (to me at the time) was stolen in 1978, I was out of the serious listening realm. With all the pressures of raising a family and paying a mortgage, couldn’t afford to get back into it. It wasn’t until last year I started piecemeal putting components together. I saved thousands by buying some used pieces like the amplifier, phono and phono stage. If it weren’t for people like you, willing to share your thoughts and experiences, I would have spent much more time and money in the process. I know a lot of folks like the tube amp sound and I am curious how it would compare with my solid state. I do know that I have diminished hearing in both ears for the higher notes so, I’m wondering if the solid-state with his edginess wouldn’t be better for someone like me. Probably need to catch an audio show somewhere to see. Will need to travel. Cheers!