To get into vinyl, or not?, I was set on constructing an analogue system, but.. Options

[almostmitch]

I was set on constructing an analogue system, but I have seen several users criticize the various aspects of the vinyl medium.
(sound quality/accuracy, cost of equipment, effort to play/digitize)

I'm 20 years old and have never truly experienced vinyl. However, I am extremely intrigued by it. I very much like the idea of setting up an affordable but quality system to listen to vinyls on. Also, I would be digitizing my dads old albums and some of my own. I look at it as more of a hobby/interest than its practicality regarding current tech and sound quality. I like the idea of starting a record collection and listening to them with my friends. The nostalgia and audio technology are other aspects that interest me (big tech geek here). I'm aware of the imperfections of vinyl's sound and this is why I want to make sure I get a quality system to achieve the best possible sound the LP will produce (within budget). For my system, I had the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and a pair of decent floor standing speakers in mind but was not set on which components I wanted to use with it (pre-amp + receiver, integrated amp, or just a receiver w/ phono inputs). This was originally the question I was going to ask you guys. Something I could connect my computer to in order to play music files is something I'd like to be able to do. I have always cared about sound quality and the majority of my albums are perfect CD rips (.flac). I currently do not have a hi-fi system to fully enjoy my music on which is another reason why I'm looking to purchase one. Also, this is something I plan to take with me and enjoy for many years to come.

-So I ask, how do you like the vinyl experience compared to the CD experience? Can the added complexities with vinyl add to the experience?
-Also, if I decide to go for a system, which device(s) combination might produce the best sound quality at a reasonable price?

Thanks for any input!

[almostmitch]

The most important thing is to ensure you set up the arm/cartridge properly.

I'll definitely have to read up on this. Is it something that should come properly setup out of the box? Or will it require fine tuning? Thanks.

CDs can handle a larger dynamic range than LPs.

What does sound better: an LP with good mixing or a standard CD with maximum lodness (aka clipping and compression) making it sound flat?
Which by the why leads the "better" dynamic range of the CD ad absurdum. An interesting link (maybe): The Loudness War Analyzed
If CDs were mixed like LPs used to be I'd go for CD anytime. But for now I keep my old records to remind myself what music used to sound like.

Interesting point. Even further justifies my future purchase

[Engelsstaub]

The most important thing is to ensure you set up the arm/cartridge properly.

I'll definitely have to read up on this. Is it something that should come properly setup out of the box? Or will it require fine tuning? Thanks.

...

If you're still intent on purchasing the Debut III, then the cartridge will be factory-fitted and adjusted. You may still want to read up on it for future cartridge changes. (Assuming you don't want to just take it to a specialist to have it done. One of my local audio dealers is very knowledgeable and charges a fair price. I personally feel more comfortable that way...up to you.)

I highly recommend you use a good stylus brush (Always brush the stylus gently and only in the proper direction/same as that which it operates during playback.) A good carbon-fibre brush should be used on your LPs, even new ones out of the package, like this one here.