Also, many people aren't happy with the sound until they've tried several table/cartridge/preamp combinations. It's a journey.
Guess I've been fortunate... 2 turntables, 2 cartridges and one pre, with under $1,200 invested in infrastructure for this "dead" format... and enjoying the music immensely.
There's always going to be something "better." Doesn't upgraditis span all formats? Seems DACs are being turned over at a very rate in recent times, thanks to the proliferation of new options with reportedly high QPR.
Nasty affliction indeed.