Analog vs. CDP: A fair comparison?

Yeah, I can't imagine being without both CDP and vinyl. There's just too much great music out there. I do prefer the vinyl format if I can get it, but there is sooooo much great music out there that I just can't see putting that kind of limit on my choices. If you can find a way, keep the Cary CDP and find a way to add analog to your system.

No! Period end of story! I was extremely hesistant to go analog but have now worked myself up to the straight Scout with a decent but not crazy expensive Dyevector 20XH cartridge started with an MMF-5. My phono stage is a heavily Modded ARC SP6b. The presentation between analog and digital is just different. I agree with many comments about software the quality of the player but nothing sounds like a TT. It is Apples and Oranges. I get great music out of my CD front end, don't get me wrong but it is just different. Try it yourself using the same system with a good CD player and a good Turntable/Cartridge. It's different.

Are you getting rid of your CDP because you think--and heard from everybody that Analog sounds better than digital?? The answer is NO. ANALOG DOES NOT SOUND BETTER THAN DIGITAL. Some of my CDs still sounds better than my vinyl. The true answer is..... it all the depends on the recording. My Analog front end is 15K and my Digital front end is 3K. This being said, I still sometimes hear better sonics on some of my CDs than my vinyl records, and vice versa. Go to an audiophile store that has a both analog and digital on the same system--Bring some of your records and cds and have a listen. Only then you make a decision.

First of all, thank you everybody for all your thoughtful responses.

However, I have to admint that I'm surprised by the prevailing opinion that perhaps I should NOT sell my CDP in favor of a turntable system - unless I already had a large record collection. Truth be told, I don't have a large record collection at all (<30?). But, when I bought my first CD player (many years ago) I didn't have many CDs either. Actually, right now, I still don't. I just sold a bunch. I only listen to a handful of CDs anyway since, in my opinion, most new music is awful but, that's fodder for another thread. I really remember growing up listening to my old man's records and still can't find many of the them re-issued on CD yet. If you're wondering; mostly Jazz with a generous helping of any genre where musicians are stand outs. I like lots of Jazz from the 70's too. Anywho...

In all honesty, looking for good sound and enjoying my music represents only half of my needs: I really love the sensual side of this hobby. Although I'm the furthest thing from an electrical engineer (I wish I knew more from that perspective) but, like to be hands on with my gear. 1) I love to try new things. Even though, I've settled on the majority of my system for now (ICs, power cords, amp, loads, etc.) I still love to be hands on. I have a nice collection of tubes for my amp and CDP and love to roll 'em trying out different permutations all the time. I think I'd enjoy working with my turntable tuning it, trying different cartridges, arms, etc. I don't think I'd be happy just having a solid state system that just sits there being enjoyed. 2) And this part is REALLY shallow, but, I enjoy being part of a select community. I like to meet friends here and other places that have the same unique (oxymoron?) experiences that I do. It almost feels like being part of an exclusive club. 3) Finally, I just want to try it. I'm on my third system in two years and I'm just having a blast.

Oh, and Justubes, yes, I've heard lots of people say that, in general, vinyl has the capablity to sound better than digital. Read the last paragraph in Michael Fremer's most current Analog Corner (Stereophile.)