IMHO, comparing digital and analog is difficult, as there is just something inherently different between the two. (I much prefer analog to digital myself). Therefore, rather than saying one is "better" than another, I will confine myself to saying that one is "more satisfying".
That being said, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 does a very good job of making digital sound a bit more like Analog. (And, the Audio Aero Capitole II cdp does an even better job at this, IMHO.)
In my opinion, as a Opus 21 owner, that my old Basis 1400, with a RB300 tone arm, and a Benz Micro Glider II cartridge was slightly more satisfying than my Opus 21, when running through my ARC LS-2 preamp, and my ARC PH-3 phono preamp.
However, my Basis 2001, with a Vector M3 tone arm (with VTA adjustment), and a Shelter 90X cartridge, running through my Ayre K-1xe preamp (with the phono boards), is considerably more satisfying than the Opus 21.
BTW: IMHO, you'll need to include the cost of a good phono preamp (something at least to the level of the aforementioned ARC PH-3 or an EAR 834 phono preamp) in order to truly achieve a great sounding analog system. (Not to mention the cleaning supplies that must be considered when you make the leap to vinyl. A RCM, even a cheap one, is a must, IMHO.)
Good luck!
That being said, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 does a very good job of making digital sound a bit more like Analog. (And, the Audio Aero Capitole II cdp does an even better job at this, IMHO.)
In my opinion, as a Opus 21 owner, that my old Basis 1400, with a RB300 tone arm, and a Benz Micro Glider II cartridge was slightly more satisfying than my Opus 21, when running through my ARC LS-2 preamp, and my ARC PH-3 phono preamp.
However, my Basis 2001, with a Vector M3 tone arm (with VTA adjustment), and a Shelter 90X cartridge, running through my Ayre K-1xe preamp (with the phono boards), is considerably more satisfying than the Opus 21.
BTW: IMHO, you'll need to include the cost of a good phono preamp (something at least to the level of the aforementioned ARC PH-3 or an EAR 834 phono preamp) in order to truly achieve a great sounding analog system. (Not to mention the cleaning supplies that must be considered when you make the leap to vinyl. A RCM, even a cheap one, is a must, IMHO.)
Good luck!