SACD vs Analog

Well, I might be on a slightly different path. I think SACD does have some virtues above vinyl...namely quietness (especially important on some classical), can also be great at bass impact, timing etc....you have a first rate SACD set up also ( I am using dCS Scarlatti)

4K can get you a nice vinyl system. You'll get great exposure to what vinyl can offer like the warmth, dementionality, the timbre. Plus frankly I just enjoy it. I also tend to listen to SACD's for classical and vinyl for jazz and blues. Part of this is to software available...part..just what I like better...

I think you need to spend a little more. What phono stage are you using or do you need to include this also in the 4k? Also do you use a line stage today?

You can get a nice table, arm and cartridge for about 4k (the vpi's/rega's above are certainly good choices) - the phono stage is a critical element..sorry for more questions than answers

Jfrech raises a good point. A lot of people try SACD by going out and getting a cheap universal player. I've seen this first hand many times. Most audiophiles feel that CD is lacking so they feel the new format will easily beat any CD player, even a cheap one. More often than not, they are disappointed. The analog portion of a digital product is every bit as important as the digital section, if you want good sound quality.

I don't think that's the case hear because it looks like the OP has a good DSD unit. Its just something to consider.

As Zd542 mentioned ,you might want to listen to some records and make sure your OK with tics, pops,and surface noise in general.Because no matter what,,,you will be dealing with this to some degree.There are some records that will have nothing in the way of surface noise.Some records will be so bad you will refuse to play them, as it sounds like a hailstorm on a tin roof.That is the two extremes.I was brought up listening to vinyl and most of the surface noise(if it is not too bad) seems to be on a different level that is seperate from the music and does not interfere with my enjoyment.Do you have the time to search for good pressings and cleaning records,then brushing them for dust before playing them,and changing or flipping them every 16 minutes or so.I love listening to records,when I have the time.And Im glad I made the investment.

Whether one stands up for SACD over vinyl or not, SACD has one serious detriment, lack of program titles. The library on SACD is tiny compared to what one can find on vinyl. 33.3 goes back to the late 1940's, stereo LP's go back to the early 1960's. So be it SACD or not, vinyl rules in total library of recorded music.

Some people turn away from vinyl because they cannot abide clicks, pops, and surface noise. This does not have to be, but there is no free lunch. From new records to used, media care is a necessary condition of long term vinyl enjoyment. It's not really an option.

At the start, my suggestion is to include a record cleaning machine (manual or vacuum) and cleaning fluids (eg. AIVS) in your budget. If you are disinclined to clean each record (including new ones) at least once and/or the budget does not allow, then vinyl could turn into a disappointment.

If you're okay with the media fussiness and willing to tolerate a certain amount of newtonian level mechanical tinkering then "Living la Vida Vinyl" can be an Audio Joy like no other.