My digital front end consists of ML #37 + Sonic Frontier SFD2 mk II with NOS tubes. I recently took the plunge and purchased the Michell Orbe SE (a step up from the Gyro) + SME V arm + Benz woodbody M2 cartridge. ($8000 retail total, about the same price as my digital setup) The setup costed me $5300 all brand new. Added the PH3 SE (used, another $1500) to my LS-2B mk II preamp.
The analog sounded wonderful! I've not turn on my digital front end for the past two months. The only catch is finding the software. Classical music are plentiful. You can find them at used record stores or goodwill stores for $0.50 per LP. But you need to learn about different labels to know what to get. Same album could be released several times, some will sound better and some worse than CDs. Jazz albums are harder to find. I just buy brand new reissues which cost about $10 - $18. I did find some original 60's LP. It's like collecting baseball cards, you have to really look to find them in good playing condition.
Oh, and there are accessories. Record cleaning machine is a must. Also record brushes, aligning tools, etc. And all the regimen of vinyl listening: Brush the LP, clean the stylus, then play, turn the LP over, etc.
Is this all worth it? You have to decide for yourself. I find all these pre-listening routines help me prepare my mind to enjoy the music more. And LP collecting becomes a challenging activity in itself.
The analog sounded wonderful! I've not turn on my digital front end for the past two months. The only catch is finding the software. Classical music are plentiful. You can find them at used record stores or goodwill stores for $0.50 per LP. But you need to learn about different labels to know what to get. Same album could be released several times, some will sound better and some worse than CDs. Jazz albums are harder to find. I just buy brand new reissues which cost about $10 - $18. I did find some original 60's LP. It's like collecting baseball cards, you have to really look to find them in good playing condition.
Oh, and there are accessories. Record cleaning machine is a must. Also record brushes, aligning tools, etc. And all the regimen of vinyl listening: Brush the LP, clean the stylus, then play, turn the LP over, etc.
Is this all worth it? You have to decide for yourself. I find all these pre-listening routines help me prepare my mind to enjoy the music more. And LP collecting becomes a challenging activity in itself.