@emrei asked me about this in another thread, and certainly many of us have both tt’s and digital replay at home. I’m a bit focused here on what you get for your $ or £ or €. (Apologies to those whose currency I’ve omitted.)
Simple conclusion: Seems that you can get a more for your money out of vinyl.
Caveats: “It depends on the source material” absolutely applies. Great digital files vs. poorly mastered digital can overwhelm the analysis. Same with vinyl. And when you’re used to not hearing surface noise, you have to come to accept some with vinyl replay IMHO, or you’ll miss out on some wonderful, sometimes vintage pressings.
The RP8 was not capable of the sheer resolution of the ND555. Certain recordings (e.g. 2011 Remaster of The Wall) are just SO IMMERSIVE (pun intended) on the ND555. I never really got THAT effect from the lp’s. On the ND, the combo of the stark ‘inky blackness’ of the background, plus sheer musical resolution, puts me INTO the music. Mentally a 360-degree soundstage. Obviously not all recordings provide that experience. But great recordings of all genres and vintages really shine on the ND. The background is always blacker. But that’s not always better, and its an effect that probably not everyone likes.
Our Rega RP8/Apheta2 provided a ton of music listening enjoyment. “Different” than ND for all the obvious reasons. But always enjoyable. In some cases AS enjoyable. Jobim Girl from Ipanema and Beck Sea Change on MFSL vinyl come to mind.
Our P10/Aphelion2 is still too new; the cartridge needs more hours. I can already hear a lot more of that “resolution.” Not a cliche - I’ve already heard things on some LP’s I never noticed before. Norah Jones on Analog Productions Come Away With Me (first LP I played on it) was IN my room as I’ve not heard it before. The entire production held together musically as I’ve not heard it. Good signs.
@emrei you said you’re looking for something simple - Rega absolutely is simple to set up and own. As @anon4489532 wrote recently, it’s a 5-minute set-up. He can compare his P6 to his N272/555PS. What’s your budget? I’m sure you can find a tt in your budget that you’ll enjoy.