Which software are you buying?SACD or LP

Hi Albert. Thanks for your detailed thoughts.

Right now, my front ends are $14k (SF T3/P3), $5k SCD-1 SACD Player, and $8K for Analog so performance in each category is pretty darn good and, as with your system, my LP sounds better than SACD and CD. I guess I'm not so worried about my investment in vinyl, just that it will be a PITA to get SACDs of all those recordings should the conveniences of SACD ever make me want to go all digital. However, I do realize that it would be MUCH more difficult the other way around.

What do you do about new music that is available in all three formats? Do you buy vinyl because that is what sounds best on your system TODAY?

FYI: I've been scooping up tons of vinyl lately and haven't bought CDs for months. However, I'm paying top dollar for most of the vinyl $25-100/lp because I have been buying quality recordings of the classics (jazz, rock, classical), many of which are OOP.

I have not performed any direct comparisons between vinyl and SACD, but since I purchased a SACD player in January, I've purchased 1 LP, 2 CDs and 18 SACDs. I've not done any comparisons because I don't have any duplicates. With that in mind, I suspect that the individual skill and artistry of the mastering engineer will outweigh any of the advantages one format holds over ther other.

Why not both? There will always be something magical about spinning vinyl. And why hold off on music you're interested? If it's on vinyl and not sacd (which will almost certainly be the case for some time) buy it! if it's rare there will always be people wanting to buy it from you down the road.

I prefer the sound of vinyl but must say that my new 777es has a magic of it's own. but nothing will replace sliding that disc from its sleeve and slapping it down on a nice platter. forces me to pay more attention to the music as well.
good luck

To Meta:

I had vinyl frontend, still have 1200+ albums put away.
I no longer can deal with the hassle and expense of maintaining vinyl. BTW, it would appear we are both in MA.
You may be hearing from a "Frank" regarding your VK5i preamp.

I'm satisfied totally with this combo today:

VK50SE, VKD5, SCD777ES, Levinson 33H, Aerial 10t.
Transparent reference and Nordost Quattro Fil.

Paul

Found SACD at Best Buy today, it's all good!