2. analog
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Analog vs. CDP: A fair comparison?

Ok, in summary, I'm planning on selling my Cary 303/300 and taking the funds and buying a TT rig including Table, Arm & Cartridge. I'll worry about the phono stage, record cleaning machine, etc. later.

Assuming I get $2,500 from the CDP, will I be able to get a used rig that will at least match the sound quality? Assume also that I will have a phono stage budget of $1,000.

Rest of the system if Cary 300SEI.

Is this a fair comparison? Or, will the sound just be different (i.e. tubes vs ss).

thanx much
pawlowski6132
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Thanks Pawlowski for answering my question. I admit I can't advise you because I can't understand you. So carry on reading, being "hands-on", and trying new things (buying and selling music you don't like, buying and selling gear that you do). I wish you nothing but fun.
pawlowski6132 OP
572 posts
 
Thanx Zaikesman for what I think sounds like a left-handed well wish.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Back-handed. I have nothing against my left-handed brothers :-)
johnnyb1
9 posts
 
Don't get rid of the CDP. Go the 500-1000 dollar complete TT setup and try it out for at least a year.

I run both analog and CDP and love them both - especially now that my 306 SACD arrived. Amazing!!

Jon
jwpstayman
279 posts
 
Hi Paw - The 303/300 is a very good cdp, particularly if you put some good RCA clear top 12AU7's in it with a pair of Herbies Audio Hal-o's. This will be nearly impossible to beat with a $2500.00 analog setup. I have a VPI SuperScoutMaster with Benz Silver Ref cartridge, Hovland MusicGroove2 i/c and Vac Renaissance pre with phono and the Cary 303 competes with it in sound quality and listener enjotment. Yes, the vinyl playback is a bit better, but keep in mind that you will also need a decent record cleaner system, an isolation platform for your table, and the investment you will make in software before you complete the calculation as to whether you benefit from the switch. My advice would be - do both! Get into analog gradually and supplement your cd system.
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