Analog vs. CDP: A fair comparison?

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.)

Pawlowski612,

Thanks for providing more info on where you're coming from, and where you'd like to go. That helps alot.

Your lack of a significant LP collection argues against jumping into vinyl in a serious way, since you have little experience with all the hassles and work required. Record cleaning and fussing with arm/cartridge setup are manadatory to get even decent performance, never mind good performance.

OTOH #1
You understand your music needs, they are readily available on vinyl and you wouldn't be abandoning a large number of CD's.

OTOH #2
There is no ignoring the implications of your second paragraph,

I really love the sensual side of this hobby.

I like to be hands on with my gear.

I love to try new things.

You're doomed. You are a perfect candidate for vinyl mania. Come on in!

Doug

P.S. There is no exclusive club, there's just us. If you want an exclusive club you have to visit Vinyl Asylum. They only let the real nut cases in there!

P.P.S. My vinyl/digital ratio is similar to Justubes, $18K/$1.5K, but my experience is somewhat difference. My (carefully tweaked) digital is quite good, better than some $8-10K dedicated CDP's I've heard. But in general it does not match my vinyl. Yes, a good SACD or DVD-A sounds better than a bad LP, but for 90% of my collection (4,000 LP's, 800 silver discs) the vinyl wins - as it should for $18K.

P.P.P.S. If you do decide to proceed, read Kurt Tank's first post again. He gave lots of excellent advice.

I got back into analog a few months ago on a lark after buying 8 used LPs at an antique store. As many posts have pointed out, it is easy to underestimate the investment and effort required. I wish I had bought my RCM up front, and at some point will need to acquire a phono stage. Also, although there is an abundance of inexpensive vinyl, the specific stuff most of us really want is expensive. Once you get past those issues, it is a really fun and enjoyable way to enjoy music. My LP collection is now healthy and growing every week. I spent roughly the same amount on my TT/ARM/Cart as my CDP and believe that it is better - but not like sell the CDP altogether better. From what you've described I think it would be a lot of fun for you too. Maybe sell the Cary CDP and get a Jolida 100 level player and invest the difference in the TT set-up. Best of luck.

You sound like a collector rather than a user. IMHO go for it! You will get much more fun from a turntable - there is more to play with and all the bits that do the work are externally visible and which you can proudly operate.

I know people who do this with wine...they enjoy collecting, decanting and all the paraphenalia with wine. To each his own.

Me I enjoy the act of consumption...wine never lasts long at home as we go through a bottle each day...it is the same with music, art, books and beer.

My delight is not in an audio shrine with everything on display and in its place...it is in the sound. Check out my system and you will see that I am absolutely serious....nothing is visible and displayed in an ostentatious manner....even the speakers are hidden!

I think there are two forms of audiophile; The Collector and the Hedonist!