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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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dsnyder0cnn
65 posts
 
It has been interesting to watch how our notion of 2-channel system composition has changed over the last few decades. FM tuners have given way to lossless streamers (eg., for TIDAL and Quboz). The outboard phono stage has, in many systems, been replaced by an external DAC. The analog preamp and poweramp are still relevant in high-performance systems, but it will be interesting to see if active speakers will become more popular among audiophiles over the next decade. They are already widely accepted in recording studios and pro-audio, which tends to lead consumer audio by a decade or two. :)
ripleydog's avatar
ripleydog
19 posts
 
Absolutely a convenience issue for me in using digital sources. DACs are quite good now, whether they're using NOS tech, SS or tube schemes or more advanced oversampling. With attention to the rest of my system in amplification and speaker choices, I get wonderful, detailed and non fatiguing sound even with my 73 year old ears with less fussing around and nearly unlimited music choices.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I was digital only- for the last couple weeks my bearing was being polished. I tried, really tried. But it is just.... digital. Now with the table back, ahhh, once again all is well.

In fairness I must admit, it is real nice being able to just push a button, skip tracks, play with volume, and not have to get up at the end. Those things really are nice. I could  In between all that however is this.... noise. How do you all handle it? Is there a meditation or something? Hypnosis? What is the secret?
stuartk
2,848 posts
 
Are you missing something truly special by going all digital?

Depends on who you ask!

Everyone hears differently.

There are obviously those who fervently believe analogue sounds superior, period. 

I'm willing to grant that's true. . . when its processed by their ears and brains!  I don't hear it that way, though. 

The bottom line is that the only way you can truly answer the question is by using your own ears. 


mglouis's avatar
mglouis
4 posts
 
+1 here. Streaming only. Spotify via Google Chromecast Audio connect over optical toslink to a motu avb ultralite then onto a integrated tube amp with bookshelves + sub.  As modest as these specs are it sounds amazing (to me). Near ~ mid-field listening. Some day I plan to add a turntable but not in a hurry. I occasionally buy LPs for some of my favorite bands and have to go to a friend's house to listen. Always a good time.  I enjoy sending tunes from my phone and have no interest in ditching Spotify.  Maybe when it goes hires I'll consider a better streamer but it would have to support Spotify Connect.
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