You're not going to get CD to sound as good as vinyl(anyone who tells you different can't hear!)particularly in the price range you're are talking. However,you can get CD to sound more analog like and thus become a more acceptable and enjoyable source to listen to.
The problem with digital, in my opinion, is not the hardware or software, its in vibration control and EMI/RFI control. You solve those problems and digital can sound very good.(but it still won't surpass vinyl)
There're some fairly inexpensive tweeks that can help accomplish this task: 1)myrtle wood blocks under source components(preamp, CD player) 2)maple wood platforms and isoblocks also under source components. 3)Stillpoints ERS cloth around speaker cable leads and interconnect jacks as well as powercord plugs and iec connectors. Additionally if placed on top of CD player over transport, makes a difference.
Some other not so inexpensive tweeks but definitely vast improvements are audiophile grade powercords ie; electraglide, shunyata, elrod statement etc. and power conditioning such as Richard Gray, Shunyata, PS audio.
Retail, this is stuff is expensive but used on audiogon, it can be affordable.
If you throw your money in this direction instead of at more expensive components, you'll come out much futher ahead money wise and listening wise.
The problem with digital, in my opinion, is not the hardware or software, its in vibration control and EMI/RFI control. You solve those problems and digital can sound very good.(but it still won't surpass vinyl)
There're some fairly inexpensive tweeks that can help accomplish this task: 1)myrtle wood blocks under source components(preamp, CD player) 2)maple wood platforms and isoblocks also under source components. 3)Stillpoints ERS cloth around speaker cable leads and interconnect jacks as well as powercord plugs and iec connectors. Additionally if placed on top of CD player over transport, makes a difference.
Some other not so inexpensive tweeks but definitely vast improvements are audiophile grade powercords ie; electraglide, shunyata, elrod statement etc. and power conditioning such as Richard Gray, Shunyata, PS audio.
Retail, this is stuff is expensive but used on audiogon, it can be affordable.
If you throw your money in this direction instead of at more expensive components, you'll come out much futher ahead money wise and listening wise.