Analog vs. CDP: A fair comparison?

Don't get rid of the CDP. Go the 500-1000 dollar complete TT setup and try it out for at least a year.

I run both analog and CDP and love them both - especially now that my 306 SACD arrived. Amazing!!

Jon

Hi Paw - The 303/300 is a very good cdp, particularly if you put some good RCA clear top 12AU7's in it with a pair of Herbies Audio Hal-o's. This will be nearly impossible to beat with a $2500.00 analog setup. I have a VPI SuperScoutMaster with Benz Silver Ref cartridge, Hovland MusicGroove2 i/c and Vac Renaissance pre with phono and the Cary 303 competes with it in sound quality and listener enjotment. Yes, the vinyl playback is a bit better, but keep in mind that you will also need a decent record cleaner system, an isolation platform for your table, and the investment you will make in software before you complete the calculation as to whether you benefit from the switch. My advice would be - do both! Get into analog gradually and supplement your cd system.

It all depends on what is important to you. If absence of surface noise, idiot-proof operation/maintenance, multichannel potential, and low cost are important you should stay with digital. On the other hand there are a subset of audiophiles who have an almost religious belief in vinyl. If you can pay the dues to join this club, and have the patience to "properly" set up and maintain your hardware and LPs they say it's nirvana. Don't know...never been there.

Eldee: I take it you mean "never been to nirvana"...I know you've been an owner of turntables and records!

Zaikesman...I used to think my LP equipment was OK until I got lectured by Albert and his crew! It, and other systems I have heard, have never delivered the quality of sound that vinyl fans describe, and so, for me, digital is better.