What I did notice was the improvement in sound quality when I dumped the Sony CD player and got an upmarket Arcam. I now play CDs in preference to vinyl - the sound is as good in most cases, and the scratch and hiss is gone. I don't think I've played one of my LPs in some years.
I agree Keef. I bought a Meridian CD transport and DAC in 1991 (the arm grew back, eventually), with a Musical Fidelity B200 class AB amp and Arcam speakers.
Superb sound. Great kit, still going strong - I doubt I'll ever bother to use the cassette deck again, though - even if it is Nakamichi.
Don't you just love dropping hi-fi names!
SD