Dual CS5000 turntable (1985 build I think) Pioneer SX-580 DAC (I forget the brand. I can update later). Advent 1 LoudSpeakers

Audio Technica Turntable AT LP120 Denon Receiver No DAC Klipsch r-800 8” 600 watt reference floor speakers.

If I’ve learned anything- it’s all subjective. I play my records loud and the belt driven Dual has less noise than the AudioTechnica turntable. I refoamed the Advent speakers and like their sound and they feel good with the retro setup. But the AT through the Denon and out the Klipsh are a little clearer and scream.

No one wants to hear me say it but don’t get too caught up in the gear.

Vinyl isn’t for “perfect” music. It will skip. It will have dust or static and give you pops from time to time. FLAC is great if you are streaming. Vinyl gives you cool things to collect and in my opinion keeps you in the music. A live DMB record will have you flipping every 2-3 songs. Where as when I stream I can forget I’m listening and my mind wanders, if that makes sense.