I had a $500 used turntable that in many ways out performed my $6500 dac and transport. I think all things considered a cd player is better. But in terms of smoothness, realism, and warth, perhaps the three most important sonic charteristics, the cheapest of turntables will out perform the most expensive cd players. If you spend 700 dollars on a turntable it will be hard for you to listen to your cd player again.
