2. vintage
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Where do I go from here?

We finally moved into a home that allows me to unbox the remnants of a system that I boxed up almost 20 years ago.  After two decades, I'd forgotten what I had until I unboxed a pair of Martin Logan Class, a pair of Acoustat 1+1s, a Robertson 6010.  At one point I owned a BAT VK-60, butsold that and an Audible Illusions preamp around  2008...a decision that I regret today.  I also uncovered new replacement panels for the CLSs.  Since this stuff has been boxed-up I've been away from audio completely.  That's about to change.  I plan to continue enjoying the CLSs and plan to return to tube tube amps.  I loved the VK-60's sound and it looks fantastic.  

My question is more about streaming.  My sense is that I get away with a streamer, subscribe to a service, and use it as my pre-amp connected to the power amps. ..  Is it that simple?  I don't want to deal with  CDs or vinyl.  I want to simplify my life.  I'm looking for feedback.  Is my plan viable? 

patrickalston
jl35
3,981 posts
 

For simple and good, Cambridge and Bel Canto Integrated Amps including Streamer/DAC...lots of Streamer/DACS with volume control...though a pair of CLS, a sub or two, and tube mono blocks hardly sounds simple...some great choices though and lots of good stuff out there in all configurations and prices...

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

Have a look at Linn. They have some very good sounding units from streamer / DAC all the way to everything in a single box. They sound stunning.

patrickalston OP
9 posts
 

After having a back-to-back comparison between streaming and vinyl.  I've decided that I am not going to used a streamer as my primary music source. We listened to Hugh Masekela's Stimela [Coal Train] (Analogue Productions AAPJ 117-45) and The Blind Mice's Midnight Sugar (Impex AIMX 6022-45).  The  the vinyl was unequivocally better than the streamed version which, by comparison sounded flat.  I never expected such a difference. 

I haven't owned a turntable in over 40 years, but that's about to change.  I'm not sure which table, but I looked at VPI and Feickert Analogue (about 8K just because that's what was available.  This is an area where I am most ignorant about what I should purchase.  The Feickert Woodpecker at around $8K may be more than I'm willing to spend on a turn table (I'd like to be around 5K all in for a table)...I don't know.  So, I'm interested in any thoughts.  

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

OP,

Whether digital or analog sounds better these days is entirely a question of what equipment you are using. You simply must find the right equipment and you can get the full analog sound from streaming. Just because you compared this and that does not generalize to analog vs digital. Careful choices in equipment will bring either format to the front. Streaming has sooooo many advantages it is worth the effort to put together a great digital streaming leg.

My analog leg and digital sound incredible and basically the same. It took a lot of work to get there… but well worth it.

jl35
3,981 posts
 

streaming makes a great secondary or tertiary listening choice, but nice to have a good one around to explore new music...

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