I'm going to say to buy a good table. It takes a good table to surpass a CD player.
Would the new Pro-Ject X8 be a good choice for a first turntable?
If one were to get back into analog after 35 years not owning any albums (last turntable was a Thorens TD320 with cheap cartridge) would the new Pro-Ject X8 with stock arm and cart) be a good first choice? Your opinions. No plans to go balanced in the near future, would run straight RCA cables into Schiit phono stage.