I'm not sure digital has improved over the past 5 years. Computer-based digital aside, it looks pretty much the same to me as it did 5 years ago. As far as having to "fiddle f'g" with analog, once a player is competently installed in your home, it's really pretty easy. Just put the record on, clean the needle and play. Almost as easy as CDs - really. Of course if you're one of those people who are constantly obsessed with futzing around with the record player and living in constant dread that something is amiss - you're defintely better off with a nice CD player.
