Got a New CD Player and Now I'm Bummed


Hope to get some help here...I recently added an Esoteric X-03SE to my system the details of which you can see here. I've always been a huge fan of vinyl and have a large collection--many more LP's than CD's. The problem is my digital front end is now WAY better sounding than my analogue set up. (My last CD player, a Naim CDX2, was about on par with my table--better in some areas, not as good in others). I'm finding myself listening to many more CD's while my LP's are dying for attention. I never thought this would happen to me! So, now I'm faced with upgrading my analogue to the point of parity (or better?) with my digital. (Wierd, right?). I could use some suggestions. One limiting factor is the overall height of the new analogue set up cannot be much taller than what I have since it needs to sit on a wall mount shelf that fits inside our entertainment center. So, I need a table/arm/cartridge set up that sounds DRAMATICALLY better than my Scout/JMW9/Dyna 20XM but doesn't need a ton of head room. What do you think I need to spend to get significantly better performance than what I have already? What would you all suggest for a new analogue front end? I'm thinking a Scoutmaster, Sota Cosmos or perhaps going back to an LP 12 with works. Ideas? Thanks!
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by paulfolbrecht

I'm probably going to get spanked for this but I'm going to offer an opinion. I've found that systems with mid-efficiency multi-way, crossovered speakers, digital and analog generally sound closer than they do on systems I prefer - low-power SET and single-driver horns or front horns.

I recently tried to go all digital. On my system, with a Shindo pre, Yamamoto or Art Audio amp and Lamhorns, no digital comes very close to analog. Digital can sound good, but the level of nuance, realism, and envelopment is in another league with vinyl. It's nothing subtle

Is it more revealing, or just different - somehow tailored to vinyl?