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Upgrade path question. Upgrade analog or turn to digital?

I am running a full analog rig and my beloved cartridge needs service soon (6 months about) so I am wondering if I should sell the analog rig (tt+phono+lps) and rather buy digital source. I am planning to upgrade it later if I am not going digital. 

I am satisfied playing lps, I do it when I can focus on music, but sometimes it`s tempting to have the same quality, just a button away. I can afford either the digital or the analog upgrade and I don`t have the space for both. I am thinking about two scenarios. 

A,
Change the diamond in the Ikeda, rewire the tonearm, change the bearing, add a DS Audio ION-001, max out the VPI Classic 1. It`s sittin on a Shun Mook maple board and heavy sandbox right now, looking for a serious platform north 2000 dollars used or that money goes to the phono upgrade.
Upgrade the phono later, what I save on the digital goes here. I am hoping for a used Aries Cerat, but would be happy with other OTL solutions.

B,
I sell the analog rig and going digital. I was thinking about to buy a streamer north 5K used and either a ESOTERIC D-02X, Aries Cerat Kassandra II, or similar. 

I am planning to upgrade the integrated amp either way, the room treatment almost done.

Or a C version,

Gryphon Diablo 120 with DAC and call it a day.

 

 

 

128x128korakotta
4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 

We always had to pay for telephone, but it was cheap. Then we started paying for TV. It was kinda cheap but limited. Years later, we started paying for radio. Also cheap for awhile. Now they want us to make a monthly payment for music. In my mind, it all adds up, then you are the one who is limited. I guess that for the likes of me, I will never buy it.

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

@4krowme 

i read what you typed, but i am sorry, i am not getting your point

maybe it is just me...

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,820 posts
 

Depends how many records you own and whether you enjoy them. I see no reason not to buy a decent streamer/DAC for under $2k and add it as a source to your primary analog system. Just power if off for critical LP listening.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,537 posts
 

“why choose, have both! streaming is wonderful... truly the world of music at one’s fingertips, all for less than the cost of 1 lp or cd per month”
+1, @jjss49

@korakotta 
You’re are unlikely to receive a sane advise from hard core vinyl hoarders. If collecting records is your thing, I understand; I still buy CD’s and Vinyl but selectively like those one off ultra pressings. For everything else, streaming has far exceeded my expectations and it has open doors to unlimited music. A well put together streaming system can be just as satisfying as any Vinyl / CD playback system.

Buy a high quality streamer / DAC and sign up with Qobuz. Look into offerings from Bricasti, Grimm Audio, Lumin or Aurender. Sit back and enjoy!

sns
3,256 posts
 

@4krowme I've finally finished my streaming setup, far superior to my vinyl which is not half bad, so now in process of upgrading my vinyl setup. Both can be entirely satisfying, only financial considerations should impact going with both or limiting oneself to either of the two.

 

By the way, not sure what you meant by comment of having to pay monthly fee for music, but I could make good case its practically criminal the small amount they charge us for these services!

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