Where to start with vinyl

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.

Sgunther, just to add to my earlier post, if you need to skimp anywhere, I'd skimp on the cartridge... You could get very good results using a Benz Glider or Ace (low output preferred) if you don't want to spring for the Reference 3. That would get you going and I think you'd be very pleased.

Wrong... High output cartridges are much easier to deal with. Its really a tradeoff. Yes you might get very slightly more detail with a low output, because of the fewer windings on the coil, however rf, hum, noisy power, etc. can and usually does swamp that detail.

Make sure you've actually listened to some records on some system before you spend the bucks (ask where to "start" so I'm making a guess the whole thing is new to you--if not, just disregard this post).