Would I be wasting my money to get a turntable?

@kijanki "In class D amplifier "Voltage" is converted to "Duty Cycle", both analog - meaning there is no discrete steps (unlimited resolution)."

true, only if clock / sync “digital” signal is ignored. class D can be theoretically lossless, but design implementation is limited by jittery oscillator and not ideal output analog LPF. 

@mahler123  "You’ve self identified as one who places significant value on the aesthetics of vinyl, which renders sound quality issues as secondary "

Excuse me if I find that statement somewhat condescending.  And you are not the first member on this site that has made disparaging  comments about buying equipment for the aesthetics and the sheer joy many of us get from the ownership of beautiful equipment.  I don't find that love of equipment and love of music are mutually exclusive.  Just my opinion but one I'm sure is shared by many.  Cheers.

Do I need a turntable? Probably not. Would it give me pleasure to have an attractive piece of kit to play with and look at and reacquaint myself with the 75 or so albums from the 60’s - 70’s that I have tucked away? Absolutely. Therein lies the benefit I guess.

So, your mind was already made and you were looking for confirmation?

@mswale this is bizarre. I browsed a few record stores in Boston and Minneapolis and the selection was always underwhelming and the prices high. In San Diego, where I live, it's hard to find a record over $20. Usually it's one version of a record that has other versions for under $10 in the same bin. Same in LA, reasonable prices. I think it has to do with the weather. (I can explain)

Get a turntable.  Get some of your favorite albums.  Then, if you’re like me, an obsessive audiophile, the rest will follow.  See you in 1 year.