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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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captelee's avatar
captelee
43 posts
 
I went all digital eight years ago for one reason and one reason only...sound quality. My love of all music has made me a gear hobbyist with the goal of getting to the best quality sound reproduction, and experience (I listen to a lot of live recordings), that my wallet, research and (hopefully) intelligent decisions can get me to. My last move was three years ago, to a house because of my audio addiction, and I am quite positive I would not be enjoying the stellar sound quality level I am at without being fully digital.  
tom2015
102 posts
 
I can’t help it, but streaming always felt like fast food to me.
Easy access and convenience are nice, but skipping from song to song, playing something half with already the next song in mind takes something away from the experience.
I do enjoy it for background music or to search new albums, but there is, for me, some tranquility in choosing a record or a CD and listening to that album only without the constant temptation to push next.
Sound quality is a different story. Depending on the equipment all mediums can sound very good.


unsound
7,333 posts
 
Working towards becoming "analogless".
ghdprentice
7,262 posts
 
@tom2015…”but skipping from song to song”

Funny you should say that, because the exact same thing happened to me. Streaming caused me to “channel surf” so to speak. So I took apart my streaming end about five or six years ago (Apple notebook). I was happier because I would listen to a whole CD.

A couple years later I bought a streamer (Auralic Aries G2). The improvement in sound was profound. The improvement also slowed my desire to channel surf. The SQ was good enough to highlight some more subtle problems… which caused me to upgrade my streamer and then my desire to “channel surf” completely disappeared! The music became engaging… I no longer wanted to switch.

I realize in retrospect that the desire to change from cut to cut is the desire to find something that is musically satisfying, just like if you do it on TV. You do it until you find something engaging. Now, my streaming is so engaging I frequently get caught up in music I normally not like because it sounds so good and musical.
pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
276 posts
 
I am new to Digital as well. Have a PrimaLuna EVO-100 integrated, Bluesound Node 2i running through a Shiit Bifrost DAC using AudioQuest Cables. Burn CD’s to a Innuos Mini MK III and could not be happier with the sound. I live in a small town home so vinyl would be a space and storage pain. Because of bandwidth even with HD, the Innuos sounds better on good same recordings. Being able to select any of 60 million songs and play them anywhere with a phone signal or Wi Fi is wonderful. Streaming is really good, and not making me change a thing. I will never go back to vinyl again. With the same quality recording you would probably hear a difference but splitting hairs. My biggest issue is not what plays it but the quality, EQ of the original recordings to either format. I have heard terrible on both, outstanding on both.
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