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Analog newbee looking for advice

So after contemplating buying a universal player, I've decided that there aren't enough titles to justify the cost of a high-end player. As an alternative, I've decided to give vinyl a try. It seems there is a consensus that vinyl sounds better than redbook, so here's my question: How much do I have to spend to get an analog setup that will sound "better" than my redbook setup?

My CDP is Resolution Audio CD55 and I'll be buying an Opus 21 soon (inevitably).

It's my opinion that the production quality of the recording is a bigger factor than the format/media so let's assume we're comparing the same recording on CD/vinyl.

I am actually satisfied with the sound of my best sounding CDs with my current setup, but those great sounding CDs are few and far between...

Please be kind with your responses, I'm too lazy to search the forum for similar questions/answers.

Thanks in advance!
dburdick
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
No question that vinyl is a format capable of excellence but it's also lot of work, requiring serious commitment before it pays off.

You commented in the post above:
I'm too lazy to search the forums

Are you sure your a candidate for a format that's more work and more money ?

Besides, you already have a great CD player with the Resolution Audio CD55, for which there are tens of thousands of CD's available.

As for quality, assuming you get better sound from an LP, does duplicating your existing library really make sense ?

Don't get me wrong, I am an LP guy all the way, but it's like a five speed manual transmission for city driving..........not for everyone.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Great response by Albert.

Vinyl can beat the world's best digital, substantially, but not without considerable and ongoing efforts. If you're not prepared to commit to a long learning curve plus daily work and fussing that will never end, the results may disappoint or frustrate. Doing vinyl well can either be a chore or a calling. Only those smitten by the latter spirit are likely to stay with it.

Despite having over 800 CD/SACD/DVD-A titles, our well-regarded universal player spends far more time playing movies than music. We listen to music on vinyl 2-4 hours/day, but I just can't recommend it to everyone. Cleaning records and adjusting even the most reliable of high quality rigs is a good deal of ongoing work. Make sure you're prepared for that (by doing alot of searching and reading!) before you commit yourself or any serious funds.

Regards,
Doug

P.S. to Albert
I drive a six-speed every day. Even in city traffic I never tire of it. Does that say anything about my tolerance for nuttiness?
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
What a man Doug :^).
76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
If you can get a VPI MK3 with a decent arm this should give you a solid performance without investing to much money into an Analog rig.I bought mine with a Morch Arm for a little over 1k,But you have so much to choose from if you want to get your feet wet.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
There are decent virtual plug-and-play units that will give you good sound. Some of the Rega units come to mind. If you buy something new from a good store (of which there are very few) they can assist in picking a product and setting it up.

If you are on your own, this can be a time consuming and frustrating endevor.

Ultimately one does not need a state of the art vinyl setup to exceed the sound quality of a SOTA digital setup.

Check into the Rega or VPI units that come with their own arm. Rega sells good cartridges also which will not require as much dedication to install and set up as a system of seperates.
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