It seems ridiculous that you would even have high expectations with what you are running, maybe a taste of what it's all about. Fifty dollars on a phono pre, come on. How do you even know the table and cart you have are set up right and working right with the phono pre? There are A LOT of variables that go into getting vinyl to sound great. Seems like you might be trying to convince yourself it's not worth the trouble??? It's a well known fact that good vinyl beats digital every time, but do you want to go to the expense and trouble is the question? If you want to find out for yourself I'd say you are going to have to be willing to do more than spend 150 dollars.