Sold all of my analog about25 years ago and went digital. At the time my analog was mostly McIntosh. I went with Nakamichi and enjoyed it for years. Atsome point I got out of audio and stored all of my cd's till about a year ago and started building another system. I decided to go analog again and added a turntable and began buying some of the vinyl I gave up many years ago. Really love the sound of analog especially my jazz albums.
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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Hello, I remember buying my first portable Sony CD player back in the early 80s. That thing skipped like crazy. I then went to the Sony 200 CD player and then 400 CD player. I even bought a pair of Advent Heritage speakers that said “CD Ready”right on the box. The salesman told me you had to have CD ready speakers or you would blow the tweeters. What do you want from me. I was 12 or 13 years old. I didn’t get into analog until about three years ago except for cassettes before I was a teenager. I started working when I was 11 so I had money burning a hole in my pocket. My friend let me borrow his TT and his Pink Floyd collection. I loved it. It does not sound as good as the SACD version. I realized to hear really good vinyl you need a $5k-$7k setup. Or a killer SA preamp or a less expensive approach get a tube preamp or tube integrated. There are vinyl albums not on streaming along with some CDs. I am in the same boat. The best sounding phono preamp for the money is the Hegel V10. It does both MM/MC. Especially if you want to go to a cheaper TT. Even if you work your way up to a $3k to $5k TT this Hegel V10 will work great. For $1400 you can get the brand new Sutherland TZ Vibe that does MC only and in my opinion is a lot better on MC than the Hegel due to having a little more weight and detail. Keep in mind it’s MC only. The Sutherland TZ Vibe is like a Micro LOCO. Which the Little LOCO won the bast analog award a few years back. I am having my Linn Axis motor assy rebuilt and get a Hana SL MC cart on it. It has a Sumiko Pearl MM right now. Amazing $100 cart. I also have a Nag MP110 on my AT LP120 table which is also a great cart for a few more bucks. This is the cheapest and best sounding setup I have heard. I have tested all of the Rega and VPI up to the VPI prime signature with a AT 1000 cart. Until they fix the supply chain issues this is as high as I can go. If you live near the Chicagoland area the store I buy my gear from is: https://holmaudio.com/ They let you try before you buy. They also sell TT and carts in case you want to add analog to your system, fix up your existing TT or try out the two phono preamps I talked about. |
100% digital have no need for the hassle of analog recordings or tubes. Not saying some don't sound great. I learned my lesson when I was a kid my records had more pops than Rice Crispies, and My HH Scott receiver would burn tubes like matches. If you are not an anal-retentive personality going analog will make you one. "I say I say that's a joke son." |
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