My recommendation would be to go and listen to a high end system using vinyl as a source and then using a cd transport or player as a source. Then figure out what sound you like better and put your money into getting the best sound from that source, rather than hedging your bets and getting a lot of mid-level CD and analog stuff. I ended up going with vinyl for "serious listening" because it just just sounds better and more pleasing to me. But, it took some time and it took some money...
I started with a Pass Labs XP15 and a Rega RP6 with the Exact2 Moving Magnet cartridge. All through really nice CJ tube linestage and amps-- along with Egglestonworks Viginti speakers. When I put an high quality album on my system I absolutely hated the sound-- classic rock or classic Mozart-- it sucked. But, it wasn't the electronics or the speakers-- it was the turntable and moving magnet cartridge.
I went to see my friends at Goodwin's High End in Waltham-- just outside of Boston, and they gave me news that I did not want to hear, but was absolutely accurate. My guy told me "if you want good sound on vinyl, you are going to have to spend a lot more money." And, he was right. I dumped the RP6 with the Exact 2 and bought a Rega RP10 with the Apheta 2 MC cartridge, along with a Clear Audio Smart Matrix Pro record cleaning machine. That made all the difference in the world, but it will eat most of your budget.
There are some Rega RP10 lovers and some RP10 haters on this forum, but I like mine. Great soundstage, dynamics and plays all kinds of music. And, it matches well with the Pass Labs XP15, which I got from Mark at Reno Hifi in Nevada. Mark is a very likable, knowledgeable and friendly hi fi pro.
I would talk to Mark at Reno HiFi and get a used Pass Labs XP15, which is now around $2,000 and I would get the best turntable you can afford; the Rega RP8 or RP10, especially the 10 is a very nice table, as is the Apheta 2 cartridge. Others will have their own view, but the RP6 or the P6 does not sound ANYWHERE near as good as the 8 or 10 with the Apheta 2.
When you have that set up, and have spent most of your money, I would look at speakers. Everybody has their own view, but I like Egglestonworks speakers-- especially the Viginti's. But, those are a "destination" or reference speaker, meaning those are the last speakers (for my "A" system) that I foresee buying. The Nico's are smaller, 2 way speakers that are also exceptional, in my view.
Hope this helps in your search.
I started with a Pass Labs XP15 and a Rega RP6 with the Exact2 Moving Magnet cartridge. All through really nice CJ tube linestage and amps-- along with Egglestonworks Viginti speakers. When I put an high quality album on my system I absolutely hated the sound-- classic rock or classic Mozart-- it sucked. But, it wasn't the electronics or the speakers-- it was the turntable and moving magnet cartridge.
I went to see my friends at Goodwin's High End in Waltham-- just outside of Boston, and they gave me news that I did not want to hear, but was absolutely accurate. My guy told me "if you want good sound on vinyl, you are going to have to spend a lot more money." And, he was right. I dumped the RP6 with the Exact 2 and bought a Rega RP10 with the Apheta 2 MC cartridge, along with a Clear Audio Smart Matrix Pro record cleaning machine. That made all the difference in the world, but it will eat most of your budget.
There are some Rega RP10 lovers and some RP10 haters on this forum, but I like mine. Great soundstage, dynamics and plays all kinds of music. And, it matches well with the Pass Labs XP15, which I got from Mark at Reno Hifi in Nevada. Mark is a very likable, knowledgeable and friendly hi fi pro.
I would talk to Mark at Reno HiFi and get a used Pass Labs XP15, which is now around $2,000 and I would get the best turntable you can afford; the Rega RP8 or RP10, especially the 10 is a very nice table, as is the Apheta 2 cartridge. Others will have their own view, but the RP6 or the P6 does not sound ANYWHERE near as good as the 8 or 10 with the Apheta 2.
When you have that set up, and have spent most of your money, I would look at speakers. Everybody has their own view, but I like Egglestonworks speakers-- especially the Viginti's. But, those are a "destination" or reference speaker, meaning those are the last speakers (for my "A" system) that I foresee buying. The Nico's are smaller, 2 way speakers that are also exceptional, in my view.
Hope this helps in your search.