Got started with the Neo Geo CD a few months back, just picked up an AES this week and working on growth! No arcade cabs (yet...). Just some fun stuff on a rainy day.
I got started in Neo-Geo outside of the arcade with the CD system. Eventually you'll get a CMVS and then the CAB will follow soon after. Just be prepared.
Front loaders look awesome. IMO the CDZ looks like a fancy portable toilet.
Everything looks nice and clean. I started with the neo CDZ because I thought it was the best compromise between cost and genuine neo hardware to play neo games...then I ended up getting the AES anyways. Look forward to seeing your collection grow.