I have been trying to get digital to get close to my analog end for a several decades. I have finally gotten satisfyingly close last year (see my system click on my user ID). So digital is satisfying and I listen to it 90% of the time. However, my digital end is $10K more expensive and the analog side is still more detailed, spacious and open. If I put another $10K into the analog side it would pull ahead significantly. But I am finally real;y happy with both… only took what 40 years?
How many of you are digital only systems?
I currently have an all digital setup, streaming and stored digital files and ripped CD’s on my Innuos Zen mkIII via Chord Qutest to a PrimaLuna EVO 400i. I have been contemplating adding analog to my system, like a Clearaudio concept table. I am NOT hear to debate which one is better, so please don’t turn it into that, I understand the differences. How many of you are digital only? If you listen to digital as well, please tell me why. Is it because of sonic qualities or just the nostalgic reasons of spinning vinyl. I just don’t know if I want a turntable because it would be new gear to play with or if I think it has sonic qualities that I am missing with digital. I would have to buy new vinyl as I really only have a few of my albums from when I was teenager in the 80’s. Maybe I should just put the money towards upgrading digital components, even though I love my Qutest/Zen combo, I could move up in their line?? Am I missing something truly special in the audio world if I’m all digital? Thanks for your thoughts
Showing 6 responses by ghdprentice
td_dayton. +1 It is generally accepted that if sound quality and not convenience is your top priority, a well chosen analog rig will achieve higher sound quality at almost any price. This includes rigs in the $100K+ categories. While both analog and digital are both satisfying on my system: $34K analog vs $45 K digital, my analog rig sounds better. |
@tom2015…”but skipping from song to song” Funny you should say that, because the exact same thing happened to me. Streaming caused me to “channel surf” so to speak. So I took apart my streaming end about five or six years ago (Apple notebook). I was happier because I would listen to a whole CD. A couple years later I bought a streamer (Auralic Aries G2). The improvement in sound was profound. The improvement also slowed my desire to channel surf. The SQ was good enough to highlight some more subtle problems… which caused me to upgrade my streamer and then my desire to “channel surf” completely disappeared! The music became engaging… I no longer wanted to switch. I realize in retrospect that the desire to change from cut to cut is the desire to find something that is musically satisfying, just like if you do it on TV. You do it until you find something engaging. Now, my streaming is so engaging I frequently get caught up in music I normally not like because it sounds so good and musical. |
Congratulations @jmphotography . I have a high end digital end which I listen to most of the time. But if I really feel like reaching for the very best sound I use my analog end. My Linn LP12 / Koetsu Rosewood Signature + SRA isolation platform + Audio Research Reference 3 phono stage is quite inspiring. It is still fun to crawl through the record store to find great gems. |