2. misc-audio
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Returning to audiophilism after 20 years: a little guidance would be nice :-)

Hello all,
I’m Pieter, a dutch intrinsic music lover that has been sucked up by family life for the last 20 years, leaving little time to do what I liked most while I was still unattached. I sold off most of my equipment back then (2002) and haven’t done any serious music listening since.
Now that my kids are around 15 y/o I dug up my nostalgic Thorens TD126mkIII TT just to show them the concept. I never could have dreamed it would suck me right back into the good old days when I was enjoying music on audiophile equipment and being able to hear the soundstage depth, lively pianos and guitars, well, I suppose I don’t need to tell you guys how fulfilling such could be.

What am I looking for here? Well, in twenty years time technology must have progressed (especially digital) so I am looking for some guidance where and how to start over. I’d like to find the approach that suits my situation best.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask "what is the best amplifier for under $5000" kind of questions. But I am interested in the current vinyl vs digital discussion (has digital/streaming earned its place compared to vinyl, does it hold its own) so I can start exploring in a good direction.

Is this the kind of question that fits this community? If so, is this a good subforum?

All I kept when selling my stuff back then are my Thorens TD126mkIII (still in good shape) and Triangle Meridien speakers (French brand). So I’m in the market for a more than decent amplifier, phono preamp and a digital source such as a streamer or CD player. Might go the Tidal route, along with playing records. I still have around a 100 CD's. I just got a MoFi StudioPhono to connect the TT to my low tier receiver amp.

Can’t wait to hear what you might say.

Kind regards to all,
Pieter
pieterkadijk

Showing 1 response by calvinandhobbes

calvinandhobbes
312 posts
 
As someone who has actively avoided digital music for 32 years, my perception is that there have been changes in digital audio that have encouraged me to build a digital front end in the past year to both stream digital music as well as listen to local files. Streaming music is not only convenient, but my experience has been that there have also been improvements in the sound quality of digital music especially in the area of reducing digital harshness. 

In terms of the quality of streaming services, I can recommend Qobuz as sounding the best with Primephonic (for classical) being second best. Third choice for me would be Spotify Premium. Tidal is the worst sounding streaming service in my opinion.

Feel free to send me a message if you want to know what I've learned in the past year about putting together a digital front end. I've found that getting digital to sound good can be as complex as getting a turntable to sound good.
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