I have just this two months gotten back into vinyl.
I suddenly was given a chance to purchase a bunch of classical LPs for $0.50 each. I didn't have a TT or a pre pre amp. But I bought them. Then I got a Audio Research PH1, Then a borrowed TT. I started looking around for some LPs. They are all over the place. Locally a bought almost 300 from a group of local stores selling off used LPs they had over a year, for $0.20 each, VG+++ or not.Along with hitting the various secondhand stores, I now have almost 2,000 LPs for about ??? guess $650. tops. And they are not "Mitch Miller Sings XXXX either!
I have enough 'new' music to keep my ears happy for a LONG time. It doesn't have to be new 2003 recording to be new. I have a lot of great 1950's mono shaded dogs etc that are as good as most of the CD stuff being recorded now, and it has one big advantage, it cost me $0.35 per LP.
And finally for my pet peeve, I no longer am supporting the rotten disgusting RIAA when I make MY music purchases. If the RIAA can figure out a way to capitalize off 30 year old used LPs, I'd be surprised. New music?? what new music do I need? The same old warhorses of classical music? the commercially crafted, souless pop diva's of rock? (I cannot comment on jazz, as I do not have any interest in it, beyond the tinyest interest in early jazz and blues)
So basically I am saying try the vinyl, Yeah, if you play it, it will wear out... if you play it on a high quality machine, with a stylus in good condition... you should get a couple of hundred plays out of each LP. Then you can go get another copy... Lets see, if I play every LP (of 2,000) a hundred times say an hour a LP, that's playing music an average of 6 hours a day... Thats NINETY ONE YEARS of playing time, for my 2,000 LPs. Hmmm worrying about them wearing out is not an issue.
Yeah I am rambling... gotta go flip the LP.