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.
i’m as all in with my vinyl as anyone, own 3 great turntables and 12,000 records, yet also all in on my digital and streaming, since that is where the new music is. my point being follow your musical tastes. if you love to explore musically then you need a solid streaming digital front end to compliment your vinyl. let the music dictate. if you have to choose i'd do the streaming and come back to the vinyl later. |
Will you miss the vinyl ritual, or be liberated by the digital variety? On paper you can build a great streaming system, but the devil is in the details. So, if we were talking about your new found love for performance piano and have thoughts of turning pro..maybe don't quit your day job prior to making sure that your new gig is working out. |
I am with you @mikelavigne just not quite to the extent you have committed . I enjoy digital and analog, streaming and server, LP, and like them for what they do well and do not dwell on what they lack. No matter the format enjoy the music.
|
Well it was based upon this:
If you are hot on the digital then maybe a TDAI integrated would be on the list of integrated amps to consider… as it has the room correction and a Roon player built in? |
