Fla asked:
"But then again, am I wasting my time with a digital only front-end??"
I don't think so. The Marantz is very good at its price point, but there's much more to be gained, but at a cost.
I agree with your view toward upgrading speakers next, but after that you need to really consider upgrading your digital source.
As for going into vinyl, if you've already got a sizeable collection, then I say, "Go for it." I've got over 1000 LPs and got seriously back into vinyl a year or so ago; however, the addition of my Playback Designs MPS-5 has rendered my substantial CD collection almost totally marvelous. It's amazing how much better those Redbook CDs can sound it a top-echelon CD/SACD player.
Given a choice, vinyl used to be my first choice for a new recording purchase. Now, I'm pretty much indifferent, with SACD getting the nod, usually because they tend to cost less than top quality vinyl costs. The improvement in my CDs is through the roof with the PD.
Dave
"But then again, am I wasting my time with a digital only front-end??"
I don't think so. The Marantz is very good at its price point, but there's much more to be gained, but at a cost.
I agree with your view toward upgrading speakers next, but after that you need to really consider upgrading your digital source.
As for going into vinyl, if you've already got a sizeable collection, then I say, "Go for it." I've got over 1000 LPs and got seriously back into vinyl a year or so ago; however, the addition of my Playback Designs MPS-5 has rendered my substantial CD collection almost totally marvelous. It's amazing how much better those Redbook CDs can sound it a top-echelon CD/SACD player.
Given a choice, vinyl used to be my first choice for a new recording purchase. Now, I'm pretty much indifferent, with SACD getting the nod, usually because they tend to cost less than top quality vinyl costs. The improvement in my CDs is through the roof with the PD.
Dave