How much do you need to spend on analog to rival digital?

You just had to go there, didn't you.

Well cmon, some of the thread subjects are just waiting for a goofball like myself to oblige.

I'm digging midfi warts and all, because I have killer music. I love perfecto audio gear I hear at someone's home or show. 

When I wanted to add a NEW TT/cartridge to my collection I chose the Pioneer PLX1000/Denon 103R ($1K total).Certainly musically satisfying - and limited by the vinyl source's mastering!