Hi. I am 2 years into fiddling around in the high end audio world and I recently took interest in record players and vinyl. I am currently deciding if I should start a vinyl collection as well as purchase a record player. I spoke to a friend of mine who is has decent experience with audio equipment (he owns a business that does sound treatment for rooms) and he keeps discouraging me from venturing further into this category. He claims that in this era digital formats have already reached a point where they are indiscernible from analogue (with the existence of DSD etc..) Also, he says that vinyl records are getting harder and harder to come by.
 
Does anyone know to what extent of what he says is true? Would anyone care to comment on this so I may understand more?
 
Thank you and have a nice day!

Also, would anyone care to recommend any beginner level record players?

Vinyl is a different experience. Digital is easier and lower cost, for sure; with vinyl, you are spending a lot of time and money in acquiring a library. Also, if you get sucked into the world of analog gear, it becomes even pricier. That said, the experience of buying records and listening to albums is something that just can't be replicated with a fully digital lifestyle. If you want that experience, go for it.
 
Regarding availability, the "problem" compared to 10 years ago is that you are going to have to work harder and pay more for used vinyl in great condition. In the 90s, vinyl was almost being given away... not too dissimilar to CDs these days. Far more stuff is being pressed on vinyl these days then 10 years ago, though; the availability for new vinyl hasn't been this good since around 1990.

Recently I had the same idea. As Defrance said, the ritual of collecting, crate digging, buying used vinyl, sharing to me sounds very interesting, even if you need to splash relatively big sum of money on vinyl.

I didn't need reference turntable, just something decent (400 Euro) to practice this contagious ritual and perhaps to share that experience with my son down the road.

But I've struck a brick wall while being amazed how good and well regarded brands after 50 years of doing turntables still have'nt managed to put decent turntable without quality control issues. Don't know, maybe that's one more variable to the whole process that's making this hobby so interesting, pitty I don't have the mental capacity to understand it.