I almost got discouraged by the effort that it would take to get good vinyl sound. The expert level the budget needed and all the odds that the chain is suboptimal.
Recently I have heard good a good vinyl rig. The whole vinyl chain was around 25k. It was indeed better that the 12k digital chain it was compared to. “more flesh to the bone” more chest in the voice”.
But that was only with some great sounding albums. Others where good but not magical but overall there was still more magnitude to the whole sound. Do you reach that level with a lower budget?
At home and after a few records my digital setup was not disappointing.
I had no direct comparison any more.
But to know there is more and to know what it takes to get there make it a tough choice.
In my opinion It can only be solved with peace of mind and acceptance. There will always be something better in CD / DaC and Vinyl. The fact that there is no objective comparison to be made, makes me the judge of all decisions.
For me the decision tonget in to vinyl “again” is though one. This discussion gave me perspective.
In the mean time listing to music stored on digital formats gives me pleasure and satisfaction.
Who knows.