From very early on, decades ago, I sensed that to pursue an analog front end would likely be superior sonically - at least for a while. However, that would impede pursuit of other aspects of the system, chiefly speakers. You’re only getting ahead in one sense when you dump big bucks on an analog setup, and then have to use severely compromised speakers. I should point out that for a long time, up until perhaps 15 years ago, I was a budget audiophile with quite limited resources for the system. Had I been flush with cash for sound, then perhaps I would think differently, or the outcome would have been different. Note how this difficult choice between front end and the rest of the rig is hardly ever conceded, and analog is given a pass in many respects. I’ll not elucidate that here, but my choice was to not dump major dollars into media.
My two-filter criteria (sound and moral rectitude of lyrics) obviously led to a smaller collection of CDs; after 4 decades plus I only have about 700 discs which are never played, but ripped to server. I estimate that I am able to put together a system approx. 2-3x the MSRP than I would have if I had put much money into vinyl. I would NOT be happy to curate a collection of media that largely sat unused, knowing that the system was severely compromised. Also not discussed is the fact that at least for decades, the time that would have been spent shopping for media was available to me for listening. Would I rather spend my time driving, looking through stacks of albums, or listening? That is an easy choice for me - listening! Thus, I am not a Mediaphile, which is a tangential hobby associated with being an audiophile.
Now, I feel vindicated, as first CD players, then transports and DACs, and now solely streamer/servers and DACs I use/review are giving premium sound. No collection to have allocated alternatively and be disappointed, no collection to worry over as it devalues, and only onward and upward on a steep trajectory for digital sound. Example; I have the Stacatto discrete opamps that I am assessing and will do a follow up article for Dagogo.com. It’s such a strange phenomenon that these confer quite a bit of the character of an analog setup in power supply devices for a DAC! Truly, the line between analog and digital has, imo, become so blurred as to be difficult to distinguish, as show goers can attest. One cannot tell at all when approaching a room whether a tape, album or streaming/file is being played.
To the point of some who have said analog takes some money. About 8-10 years ago I was enticed once again by the Ads in the HiFi magazines to try a turntable setup. I went economical to see if I could get far better sound than digital, and digital has come a long way since. It was a waste of my time. I quickly realized that for me, the playback quality was not terrific with a budget table, and I would have to spend LOTS of money to develop a collection. I repented of my error quickly, and though it cost me a few hundred, I reinforced my lifelong habits to stay with developing the rest of the system with an eye toward variety, especially in speakers.
Variety of systems has been the only thing that has brought unwavering satisfaction as a hobbyist. As great of a front end as can be imagined, I would become bored with only one expression of sound, i.e. only panel, omni, horn, dynamic, line source, hybrid, etc. My money went to speakers, and I have been quite content, and feel vindicated more each day.
I worked my long term plan, the Lord blessed me abundantly by bringing reviewing my way and opening access to knowledge and equipment I never would have reached for if not for the privilege. I am SO happy I do not have shelves of albums to concern myself about, or to wonder what could have been if I had not spent so much on them! Collectors will vehemently disagree, which is expected, as they love the chase, the tactile part of it. But, for those just entering the hobby, do not let "Music Lovers" or other pejorative phrases or attitudes sway you to feel the necessity to do analog. The hobby can be tailored to your tates, and phenomenally satisfying sound can be had if you lock in on your preferences for enjoyment. For me it was variety of systems, and I have been able to achieve that more satisfactorily by a narrower approach to the front end of the system.
As none of this is divinely mandated, nor physical law of the universe, YMMV :)
