Need advice on how to dip a toe into digital

Onh...., yes I was thinking about using my new laptop PC. My music tastes run the full spectrum, from classical to 70s and 80s rock, and jazz. Right now I'm spinning an LP, Delbert McClinton, Plain From The Heart (Capital/EMI ST-12188). I would describe the LP as country/swamp rock of a sorts. Great sound and very musical. I can actually understand the words being sung. I have a couple of hundred of redbook CDs and LPs.

Any recommendations??

Thanks. Is SACD something to think about?

GZ.... I haven't decided on a budget yet. It seems the biggest cost will obviously be the DAC, which can run anywhere from $200 to the stratosphere. For example, I've seen used ARC DAC 8s going for $2K to $3K on A'gon. The ARC route is way, way too much for now.

Motivation: curiosity. If digital sounds as good as vinyl, I'm interested in exploring further. But .... if it's just a tweak or two better than redbook CD, probably will not pursue.

Gz... and others, thank you very much for your suggestions. I will read them a couple of times and see what I can do. Also, totally unaware of audiophile grade redbook. Where can I source such CDs and how do you know that it's audiophile grade? As I've posted elsewhere, on rare occasion I have some across some redbook CDs that are outstanding. My latest discovery is Michael Buble (Reprise).

Onhwy... excellent quote!! Btw, the newer ARC CD-9 retails for about $13K. Too steep a dive for now. I'd rather switch out my ARC VS-115 for the new ARC REF 150, the latter being a great match for my REF 5 SE. But that's ok. If you're really digitally crazy, ARC recently introduced the REF DAC for the bargain price of $16K.

Cool. Thanks again GZ... I'll check out the web sites you listed and check out the offerings....and prices.

Gz3827 .... was poking around on the Acoustic Sounds web site. Lots of selection. I wound up ordering an LP. Will go back and pick up a couple of hi-rez redbook CDs and see what gives. I'll report back shortly.