Dave, didn't you ever watch "Gilligan's Island" ? you can run a record player off a bamboo bicycle.
I still have most of my LPs (1300-ish), although I did thin the herd a little some years back. IMO, each format has its place. I HATED the advent of compact discs, because I felt the size ruined the impact of the album cover art and liner notes. I still feel that way. There is also an inherent quality to an old analog/vinyl recording that doesn't transfer well to CD - nothing like the sound of a mint vinyl record on a quality turntable through an old Scott 299-D, Dynaco Stereo 70 or McIntosh MC275. Oh, and that feeling of slitting open the shrink wrap and sliding the LP out of its sleeve for the first time was like opening Christmas presents! (when was the last time you
enjoyed opening a CD package? Ugh!)
Having said that, the CD was undeniably an improvement in key areas - more portable, durable, and easier to make mix tapes (did I say tapes?) with. The iPod was a godsend to me - no more tapes or discs rattling around the car, and I can carry all my favorite stuff around with me - all I have to do is plug the 'pod into the AUX jack on the car stereo, and I'm good to go. Wonderful.