Analog vs. CDP: A fair comparison?


Ok, in summary, I'm planning on selling my Cary 303/300 and taking the funds and buying a TT rig including Table, Arm & Cartridge. I'll worry about the phono stage, record cleaning machine, etc. later.

Assuming I get $2,500 from the CDP, will I be able to get a used rig that will at least match the sound quality? Assume also that I will have a phono stage budget of $1,000.

Rest of the system if Cary 300SEI.

Is this a fair comparison? Or, will the sound just be different (i.e. tubes vs ss).

thanx much
pawlowski6132

Showing 6 responses by pawlowski6132

First of all, thank you everybody for all your thoughtful responses.

However, I have to admint that I'm surprised by the prevailing opinion that perhaps I should NOT sell my CDP in favor of a turntable system - unless I already had a large record collection. Truth be told, I don't have a large record collection at all (<30?). But, when I bought my first CD player (many years ago) I didn't have many CDs either. Actually, right now, I still don't. I just sold a bunch. I only listen to a handful of CDs anyway since, in my opinion, most new music is awful but, that's fodder for another thread. I really remember growing up listening to my old man's records and still can't find many of the them re-issued on CD yet. If you're wondering; mostly Jazz with a generous helping of any genre where musicians are stand outs. I like lots of Jazz from the 70's too. Anywho...

In all honesty, looking for good sound and enjoying my music represents only half of my needs: I really love the sensual side of this hobby. Although I'm the furthest thing from an electrical engineer (I wish I knew more from that perspective) but, like to be hands on with my gear. 1) I love to try new things. Even though, I've settled on the majority of my system for now (ICs, power cords, amp, loads, etc.) I still love to be hands on. I have a nice collection of tubes for my amp and CDP and love to roll 'em trying out different permutations all the time. I think I'd enjoy working with my turntable tuning it, trying different cartridges, arms, etc. I don't think I'd be happy just having a solid state system that just sits there being enjoyed. 2) And this part is REALLY shallow, but, I enjoy being part of a select community. I like to meet friends here and other places that have the same unique (oxymoron?) experiences that I do. It almost feels like being part of an exclusive club. 3) Finally, I just want to try it. I'm on my third system in two years and I'm just having a blast.
Oh, and Justubes, yes, I've heard lots of people say that, in general, vinyl has the capablity to sound better than digital. Read the last paragraph in Michael Fremer's most current Analog Corner (Stereophile.)
Hey Zanth, thanx. That's a pretty encouraging thread! And, it's nice to see a SERIOUS headphone setup every once in awhile.
OK. Sold the CDP. The Clearaudio Champ II is on the way! Next need an arm, then cart, then phono stage. All this connected to the Cary 300SEI. OR, sell the Cary 300SEI and get the VAC Avatar with the built-in phono stage.