I wish I’d saved the image used by the Revolver TT advertisements - shooting the cartridge off the arm like a bullet and smashing a CD - that they used in the 1980’s. It would be useful at times.
Vinyl playback doesn’t have to be dreadfully expensive (of course, it can be, and that depends on how much you sink into diminishing returns).
Step 1: You can get good sound with a relatively cheap table and MM pickup, as long as you clean your records.
Step 2: To equal CD sound, simply clean your records as best you can. A machine is needed, but need not be crazy expensive. You are considering an MC pickup and a new phono stage.
Step 3: To blow CD out of the water, you are spending big bucks on a good table and arm, and an expensive cartridge that will last, maybe, a thousand hours before rebuild. You are now using an ultrasonic cleaner after the vacuum RCM you have already purchased.
Step 4: Discogs is now the most frequent entry in your browser history. You know the different types of detergent and enzymatic cleaners available for your record cleaning machines and you have your own recipes and protocols for getting the best from them. You have multiple turntables sporting multiple tonearms. You have a choice of anti-static devices for your discs, and an ultrasonic stylus cleaner. Two USB microscopes for checking stylus status and rake angle. The price of your phono stage is a state secret. You sit slack-jawed and happy all day listening to music, looking like a wino who found a $50 note.
Step 5: I haven’t got there yet, and may lose the ability to type if I do......be warned.