Yes, recording to lossless digital was my original interest..see the
Vinyl to digital thread.

I do have an ancient amplifier with mm phono input (anyone remember the
Texan amp kit?) to do initial testing but my aim is to get a preamp to
convert to line level for PC input. I may get a battery preamp as
suggested by Jim in the other thread.

My feelings regarding CD mastering are similar to yours. They are often
'in yer face' and seem harsh compared to my memories of the same
material on vinyl. Will be interesting to know if it is just nostalgia
or if I can really hear much difference.

Tony