There are differences between digital and vinyl. Are we saying, and hearing, these differences as making one format better than the other? Its one of those classic audiophile arguments you have to answer for yourself.
Having said that, I somehow doubt that a Scout (even a fully loaded and tweaked version) will better an EMM Labs front end. It would be more interesting if you included some of todays top cartridges and phono stages, but then your talking big money and it sounds like your looking to keep costs within reason.
Don't get into vinyl if you think its going to be cheap. Cartridges, phono stages, RCMs, cleaning fluids, interconnects, power cords, set up tools and tweaks will add up fast. Then it will take some "work" to dial everything in to your liking and it will still be "fussy" at times...but it can be really enjoyable and make great music. If you get hooked on it, great. Its lots of fun and gives you another way to enjoy music and this hobby.
Having said that, I somehow doubt that a Scout (even a fully loaded and tweaked version) will better an EMM Labs front end. It would be more interesting if you included some of todays top cartridges and phono stages, but then your talking big money and it sounds like your looking to keep costs within reason.
Don't get into vinyl if you think its going to be cheap. Cartridges, phono stages, RCMs, cleaning fluids, interconnects, power cords, set up tools and tweaks will add up fast. Then it will take some "work" to dial everything in to your liking and it will still be "fussy" at times...but it can be really enjoyable and make great music. If you get hooked on it, great. Its lots of fun and gives you another way to enjoy music and this hobby.