2. analog
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Separate playbacks for vinyl, cd?

In the quest to get the best playback within my means, it occurred to me that I should consider two separate systems, one dedicated to vinyl, the other to cd/digital. Through research and experience, it is my opinion that the components heirarchy in respective medias is different enough as to justify investing in two systems. Analog being focused on the source to output and digital having a greater emphasis on the amps and speakers. Several years ago I inherited a late 80's LP 12, w Ittok arm, in great condition. It was/is the nicest piece I've ever owned. I have built a system around mostly second hand components: Conrad Johnson pv2ar pre amp, McIntosh 754 amp, Monitor Audio silver speakers, Marantz BD7004 CD/Bluray player, Audioquest interconnects and speaker cables. I switch between an Ortofon Red, Ortofon MC3 and Linn K5 carts.
I'm thinking about a dedicated phono stage that has a good mc option into a good quality tube amp, upgrading all the cables and connectors for the vinyl, and keeping the CJ and Mc and upgrading speakers that better suit digital.
Any input from y'all on this. ? Another driving factor in this curiosity is the signal gain, vinyl being soo low and digital being soo hot. Looking forward to feedback, set up advise (want to keep it in same room, where I have deadening material and have speaker placement in optimal locations) , components recommendations etc.....thanks!
babyz

Showing 1 response by closdesducs

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closdesducs
60 posts
 
I can totally relate to your post. I have an Audio Research SP-10 preamp that really brings out the best in my turntable setup, but IMO it isn't as strong when it comes to digital playback (a fair amount of bloom and color). Conversely, my ARC SP-11 does a great job with digital playback and while it's "correct" with my analog gear, I find myself more emotionally moved by the SP-10. Fortunately, they're both in the racks close to each other so it's not too much of a fuss to occasionally move speaker cables and ICs around if I find myself focusing on one format more than another for an extended period of time.

The audio equivalent of having two wives...? LOL
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