Where to start with vinyl

I asked myself that same question, and it turned out that a Michell Tecnodec with a Rega RB250 arm and tecnomods (plus Incognito wiring) does the trick nicely. I'm using the Benz-Micro Reference 3 low-output MC cartridge in that system, which has a very precise and musical sound.

Don't neglect the phono preamp. I have Michael Yee's Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena phono stage and find it to be excellent. After much experimenting with the cartridge loading value, I found that the 150-ohm setting works really great with my Reference 3. I like that the Nova Phonomena allows many different gain and cartridge loading settings. That makes it a more optimal fit for a given cartridge and system.

I have a custom-built 6SN7 linestage preamp that works like magic to extract the most articulate, detailed and musical performance from the turntable system. Certain vocals, violins, and other acoustic instruments sound as sweet and vivid as I've ever heard, even live. And surprisingly, the bass detail and articulation on my records (midbass in particular) seems to sound more detailed, faster, and better focused than my CD player is able to provide. The CD player may dig a little deeper in the lowest bass, but the turntable system wins hands-down in terms of bass agility and veracity.

I have a Michell Orbe SE with a Wilson Benesch arm and Benz Ebony L cartridge in my other system, and it's even a little better. But you don't need to spend that much to surpass the quality of your CDs. The more affordable Tecnodec is capable of stunning performance if set up properly. Oh, one other thing... I use a heavier Basis record clamp with my Tecnodec rather than the lighter Michell clamp. I used to roll with the big VPI decks, but for me, the more compact Michell decks are working out better. Good Luck!

IMHO, comparing digital and analog is difficult, as there is just something inherently different between the two. (I much prefer analog to digital myself). Therefore, rather than saying one is "better" than another, I will confine myself to saying that one is "more satisfying".

That being said, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 does a very good job of making digital sound a bit more like Analog. (And, the Audio Aero Capitole II cdp does an even better job at this, IMHO.)

In my opinion, as a Opus 21 owner, that my old Basis 1400, with a RB300 tone arm, and a Benz Micro Glider II cartridge was slightly more satisfying than my Opus 21, when running through my ARC LS-2 preamp, and my ARC PH-3 phono preamp.

However, my Basis 2001, with a Vector M3 tone arm (with VTA adjustment), and a Shelter 90X cartridge, running through my Ayre K-1xe preamp (with the phono boards), is considerably more satisfying than the Opus 21.

BTW: IMHO, you'll need to include the cost of a good phono preamp (something at least to the level of the aforementioned ARC PH-3 or an EAR 834 phono preamp) in order to truly achieve a great sounding analog system. (Not to mention the cleaning supplies that must be considered when you make the leap to vinyl. A RCM, even a cheap one, is a must, IMHO.)

Good luck!

While I am not familiar with the sound of the Resolution Audio player I have heard many players in that range. I think beginning with a Rega P5 ($1600 w cartridge) or something of that caliber or better is the sensible place to begin- these players truly give you good dynamic range with low noise, open sound and good detail and rendering of timbre and are a nice step up from tables below a thousand dollars generally speaking. You can spend more but one of the best items I ever owned was a Rega P25 after beginning with a P3 2000. Looking back on it I was very happy with that upgrade for the difference in cash.