Moving from CD to analog

"If you could not deal with the frustrations of a music server, then you should seriously reconsider whether you want to go vinyl. It is not very user friendly and requires a great deal of attention to optimize."

Its a good point but I think there's more to it than just that. Even though there is a great deal of attention to optimize, the process you go through for each is very different. Also, just because there's some work involved, doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed. A lot of people like doing the extra work. Its really a personal decision.

With that budget and taking into account your experience with analog if it were me I'd put $8000 into an analog rig and $8000 into a computer-based source. Something like Well Tempered Amadeus, VPI, or Townshend Rock turntable on the analog side and a Mac Mini into something like a Bel Canto, Berkeley, or Empirical Audio DAC on the digital side would get you to near state-of-the-art sources in two different realms that can both be superior to a traditional CD player. Then you can go from there if you decide you even need or want to. I think pumping $16,000 into an analog front end would be jumping the gun a bit until you've had the opportunity to live with what really good examples of better analog and computer-based front ends have to offer. Either way, I'm envious of your situation and best of luck.

Dear Matthewholt; How many LPs do you own? which is your digital front end? why do you want " looking to change to an analog front end "? is there a problem with the digital alternative. What you dislike it? which your music preferences?

Thank's.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Dear bMatthew: My questions were to figure in better way what could help you.

R.

I have set up my first TT it is a Rega Planer 3 borrowed from my older brother, it has the original tone arm and a new Rega cartridge, the TT was fitted with a new drive belt and a new set of Phono leads the TT then was set up by Rega themselves. I have borrowed a Trichord Dino phono stage from my local dealer, this is feeding my Gryphon Mirage pre amp and this feeds my Gryphon Colloseum power amp and then to my speakers Rockport Ankaa. I have played my first vinyl record tonight it was Jennifer Warnes The Well limited edition by Analogue Productions on a 45 pressing.
It sounded wonderfull very open and very rich sounding probably a little too rich and heavy this maybe down to the tonearm and cartridge settings?