After I started using flac files I can tell a big difference. Mp3s have a wavering muzzeled sound on certain frequencies. That is why I still use a cd player. I am an audiophile so I look for those sounds. I cant stand when I buy a cd (metallicas new album) and it sounds distorted. Louder is not better. I love vinyl for the shear fact that you can tweak the sound right on the turntable. I mean you have the full equalizer depending on what you got. Cd players and Ipods are basically Bass on Bass off Volume that is it. I always look for a stereo that has an equalizer. Thank god i still have my sharp from 92 that has its own turntable.