I have three turntables for use with various Meridian setups. Just as an example, my Roksan Radius 3 (Vintage ~ 1990) with a Chorus Black cartridge used through a 562V/516MM phono stage can and does wipe the floor with my 596 - given the right recording.

Sheik Yerbouti (Frank Zappa) is an excellent example of an original (1978?) vinyl pressing that provides a much better musical experience than the CD. I am sure this is as much down to the production and engineering as the reproduction equipment - but it is good. The corollary is Machine Head (Deep Purple) on vinyl vs. the re-engineered CD re-release - the CD is not great, sounding synthesised and compressed, but is much better than the LP which is thin and bass-less. A Feather on the Breath of God by Hildegard of Bingen is just beautiful on vinyl with amazing soundstaging and layering, I haven't heard the CD.

So, to answer your question, yes it does make sense. You can hear the difference and make judgements about what you prefer. If you have lots of LPs then go ahead. Otherwise I whole-heartedly support the music server options advocated above.

The Meridian 515/516 phono stage cards are good, equal to an off-board stage up to ~�300/$600. I believe they are re-numbered for the G-series. Not sure if they are retrofitable to the G68.

Lastly, a record cleaner is pretty essential for a turntable in a Meridian setup. There is something about the Meridian sound which seems to reproduce surface dirt with absolute fidelity. Clicks and dust can be quite loud with "good" transient attack. I.e. they make you jump.

In the spirit of Spinaltap, I would like to confirm that I am not involved in the corrupt theft of a global sport.