2. digital
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Are there digital front ends with the body...

and resolving power of good vinyl?

I'm mainly just curious; I'm not going to buy one. Getting into vinyl recently, I'm actually surprised by how a (moderately pricey) analog setup can trounce digital - any I've heard, anyway. There are at least two areas: 'body' and image density/separation. These add up to 'naturalness'.

This is not a taunt or anything like that: I'm curious if there are those that feel that there is digital that competes on this level. Price no object.
paulfolbrecht

Showing 2 responses by paulfolbrecht

paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses so far.

I heard the Vyger table recently (RMAF) and it is a bit of a dry table. Cannot recall the cart. So, it is not horribly surpising it's close to digital.

My Merrill/TriPlanar/Ortofon setup has considerably more 'body'.
paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
Nilthepill: If so close, why bother with the analog? I'm guessing that's at least another $20K you've got tied up there? Just because of the records you've got that'll never be on digital?

This thread has turned out to be quite interesting. I am still an analog newbie and, though I admit I'm still smitten and thus not objective, I've just never heard any digital that sounds as 'right' or natural, and I've heard most of the ultra-pricey stuff at shows. I have NOT, however, heard the Zanden combo or even the DAC.

The best I've heard has been the top-line Audio Note stuff, which is very, very pricey indeed, and I still think it is missing some qualities my $12K or so analog rig brings. Those qualities are rather difficult to put into words.
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