How do you get past the pops and hiss of LPs?

Rockinroni, if I recall correctly, you said that even an entry level system will outplay a CD system. So why doesn't my so called entry system not outplay my CD system? Because it has nothing to do with the playback system - it is more a question of taste. Just don't try to justify your subjective taste (a redundancy of course, taste is always subjective) with objective reasons.

I thouroughly enjoy my vinyl playback system and the quality of sound is wonderful, if the recording is good. I also enjoy my CD playback system and the quality of sound is wonderful, if the recording is good. The differences between the two are not greater than the differences in different concert halls or the orchestras playing in them. Some halls are quieter (along with the audiences) than others, but I do prefer the quieter ones.

As to the original poster's query, do as others have suggested, ignore the shortcomings of vinyl (noise etc.) and if you can't, play CDs. Of course my advice to those who wonder what to do about the shortcomings of CDs (lack of life etc.) is to ignore that and if you can't, play vinyl.

Salut, Bob P.

Viridian, agreed. However, even though dynamic range is an engineering choice, the choices are still limited by the medium and technology. There is a wider dynamic range available with digital than vinyl.

Rocky, you hanv't heard my modified Wollensak 8-track player, so them's fightin' words. Step outside - 8-tracks don't suck, they rule! Peppy, I will stand by my statement that LP has a greater dynamic range than redbook CD. True, it is gained at the quiet end of the spectrum where digital is simply not recording sounds. Likewise, bandwidth into the ultrasonic and phase response will also be better with the analog media than with CD replay.

Rockinroni said, "Your rig is entry level, you will not be able to retrieve the lower 2 or 3 octaves on this turntable." If the lowest octave is 20-40Hz, then the turntable in question can't retrieve info any lower than 80-160Hz. Roni was being kind, if a component can't reproduce anything from the upper bass downward then it's not a true hi-fi component let alone entry level high end. Thanks for clearing things up, Roni.

But then Rockinroni said that a Systemdek with Rega arm at 700$ would outperform a CD and obviously reproduce the notes below 120HZ.

I am glad that we cleared that up!

Bob P.