It's funny how records are still best.

Seandtaylor99,

I have the same digital front. Marantz CD 67SE is a fairly decent player. But a proper set up Lenco blows away the Marantz and Monarchy. I had the stock Lenco arm and Shure V15 IV. It sounds rich and full. The Lenco does have some pop noise occasionally. Digital is quieter. But Lenco got all the music. Remind you Lenco can be bought for $50. I cannot comment on Rega P3, which I never had in my system, though it's a reputable entry-level player.

Analog requires patient and knowledge to get the most sound out of it. You need a RCM, and bunch of maintenance kit to keep belt, bearing, and cartridge in the top-notch condition.

Analog is not for everyone. But if you are the type of tweaker, join the dark side.

Mutex ... I clean my records, I setup my P3 very carefully. I have a good mirrored protractor, and I use the Shure stylus balance.

Do you have the monarchy DIP classic ? This is the single part of my digital chain that made the most improvement, showing that the CD67 has high jitter on the digital out. I started with the Marantz ... OK but lacking definition. I added the Monarchy 22A and got very little improvement. Then I added one of the original PLL based DIPs and suddenly the music became focussed and the CD player jumped level with the turntable. Substituting the newer DIP classic, which fully reclocks the data rather than using a PLL took the CD replay above the vinyl.

I enjoy both, and I wouldn't give up vinyl, particularly as used vinyl is cheap and widely available, but since getting the DIP classic I simply can longer say that vinyl is superior or even equal to CD in my system because it isn't.

Seand, glass and particle board is not a real vinyl experience. Get something with real speed/rotational stability and you might end up with real close setups--like yours truly.

With psychic power and primal intensity,

Not. Different but equal.
So much of my vinyl is mass-produced, hastily made, sub- $5.00 product.
The Foghat vinyls on Bearsville is an example of good-to-great music with recording quality that makes me scream or cry with frustration.
Digital will always have a digital sound, vinyl will always have a analog sound, and be a PITA to deal with.

I dont think it's that much of a PITA

Cleaning a record with machinebtakes two mins, only needs to be done once per record. I listen to CDs for backgroud music, and vinyl when I really want to pay attention. Yes, have to change side after 20-25 mins, but really not that big of deal

As for shitty recordings on vinyl, yes, they're out there... b ut plenty of good stuff for cheap. It is more work than CDs, but the rewards are there if you're willing to deal with the minor hassles.