With a $500 budget you really can't go both vinyl AND digital at the same time unless you're a really good and knowledgeable buyer. I'm assuming that you're here because you need help.

You say you've already got CDs, do you already have vinyl also. If the answer is no, then go with the Oppo universal player as a source. If you've got a lot of mp3s you can convert them to disc and/or connect your player to your NAD.

I think vinyl demands a $500 entry level budget, unless you really know your way around and can find a used deal. However, I wouldn't recommend it yet unless you've already got some vinyl or have a source in mind.

Music servers are in a period of rapid development. I think that within a year there'll be hi rez servers available. As a student you probably don't have your mansion yet, so I'd just stick with a real flexible deck for now OR, if you insist, use your computer as a server. There's much discussion in a different forum here at Stereophile.com

Dave

I think you can definitely get a decent CD set-up w/ $500. The cheapest quality route seems to be Oppo Digital 980, which everyone raves about. I haven't heard it, but I've heard someone using an older Sony Playstation 1s as CD source, and it sounded pretty damn good to me. You can pick one up for like 40 bucks, and it will be a good hold-over until you save up for a nice CD player.

I have a Squeezebox 3 & the sound quality is nothing to write home about, unless you run it through a DAC. I've chosen to get Cambridge Audio 840C, which is a CDP that can serve as a DAC: kill 2 birds w/ 1 stone, as I run my Squeezebox through it. The chip inside Cambridge Audio is pretty killer... I think Esoteric also uses the same chip. I think you can also use 740C like that, & it's cheaper. So my advice on the digital front is: get the SB3 and Oppo (or the PS1), and when you upgrade, get a nice CDP which has digital input and lets you use its DAC for your SB.

I'm trying to learn about getting into analog, too, so I can't really help you there. But it does seem costlier than getting into digital, so if I were you, I'd take care of the digital end first. Then really save up for a nice analog system that you'd be happy with.

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I've heard someone using an older Sony Playstation 1s as CD source, and it sounded pretty damn good to me. You can pick one up for like 40 bucks, and it will be a good hold-over until you save up for a nice CD player.

If you use the PS1, be sure to use a model with RCA inputs (model SCPH-1001). Those who support the PS1 as being a good audiophile-quality alternative also recommend running it for at least a couple of weeks before seriously listening.

John Marks will offer his thoughts on the PS1 in our April issue.

Yeah, I forgot to mention the SCPH 1001 model... I don't think other models cut it. From what I've heard, too, you should keep the PS1 on at all times.

You need the RCA connection so you can hook it up to your amp's unbalanced RCA input.

P.S. - Can't wait to read John Marks on PS1

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Yeah, I forgot to mention the SCPH 1001 model... I don't think other models cut it. From what I've heard, too, you should keep the PS1 on at all times.

You need the RCA connection so you can hook it up to your amp's unbalanced RCA input.

P.S. - Can't wait to read John Marks on PS1

I think this needs correction - he asked why he needs RCA INPUTS on the ps1 if he is just outputting the signal from it - in which case he is right, no need for RCA audio inputs into the ps1.

Oops. Thanks for the correction, BillB. Should've read it more carefully.

No sweat. I neevr mak enny mistooks, mysselff.

Can I suggest to concentrate on just one of these and only when you are comfortable with it to move on.
As you are already PC based look into the Sonus System. When a good used DAC comes along you are pretty much set.
Vinyl would be next. Look into Rega or a used TT. There will lots of people who will advise, so you will be in good hands.
Skip SACD as you are just never going to match a Sonus/DAC with any cheap SACD system.
BTW the SB Duet looks like the answer from Slim Devices to the Sonus System so may want to wait for it.

X2 on the Slim Devices Duet with new remote.
I am a beta tester for both and it is a great interface. The remote also works with Transporter so if you upgrade later you will already have the cool remote.

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X2 on the Slim Devices Duet with new remote.
I am a beta tester for both and it is a great interface.

Are there any new features provided or is the improvement just the existence of a neat remote with a screen? That is, can the Duet do anything the SB cannot?

It appears to me that the only difference is a really cool remote that incorporates a display, instead of a boring remote and reading the display off of the SB or Transporter itself.

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The Duet uses a different DAC,

Really?

Do you know more?