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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 
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eagledriver_22's avatar
eagledriver_22
79 posts
 
It's digital only in the living room (Quobuz, SC card), access to both sources through a Samsung Tablet using the USB Audio Player Pro App (splendide app, btw). The tab is linked to a DAC (USB A to B).

Up in the gallery, it is analog (vinyl, one TT with mono cartridge and another one with stereo cartridge) and digital. Digital access through JRiver Media Center via laptop connected to a DAC via USB A to B. In addition to the laptop, I use a CD Player Pioneer PDR04 and a Marantz SACD Player. And sometimes one of my DAP's linked to the DAC.

Vinyl is my favourite source when sitting down and listening to the music. Standing up after 20 min to turn the record is 'part of the process'. It does not disturb me as on the way to the tt's I will pass the Whisky cabinet.

ian_of_glos
9 posts
 
Several people have commented that each recording medium has its own advantages and disadvantages, so what is the point in replacing your entire music collection every time a new technology is introduced? In particar I have never seen the point of going through the complex and time consuming process of ripping my CDs to create computer files that never sound as good as the original. Why not enjoy each type of recording, analogue and digital, for its own, unique qualities, supplementing them with new recording media as they become available? I still play vinyl records that I bought in the 1960s and 1970s and CDs that have been buying from the 1980s right up until the present day, so in answer to the original question, no I do not have a digital only system and I probably never will.
aubreybobb
86 posts
 
All digital since the early 2000's.  Gave away my SOTA star sapphire, cleaning unit and LP's and felt much lighter for it.  Nowadays I stream using a dCS streamer directly to active Kii speakers. Happy camper.

My 2 cents: Invest in reclocking  audiophile switches and good isolation for both electronic's and speakers.  Amazing value from Regen switches and centre stage footers from critical mass systems.   Way better than upgrading the electronics.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,100 posts
 
If you have the patience and space vinyl if setup right can have a special quality to it, nothing wrong with it ,I just feel very good digital is no longer the liability it once was ,and having several settings for tonal balance to match my taste with digital is a +.
rmdmoore
162 posts
 
Was digital only until about 10 years ago when my dad got me a Project Debut Carbon. I really enjoyed the sound of the TT and since then have substantially upgraded my system including the digital front end. I still prefer the analog particularly after my most recent upgrade to a Brinkmann table. One of the other members said in order to have e the analog be competitive you have to spend 5-8k and inthink that's right. Even when you do that, the digital will have a blacker background, but here's why I like the analog better, it's real. My wife was in the room the other day and commented on how it sounded like the band was in the room, I never get that with digital. I don't get the airy highs and realistic mids with digital. To me it always sounds digital. Just my $.02
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