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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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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
2,766 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.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
All digital here. Got my modded out R2R dac, good streaming rates, and a carefully kitted room. No need to change. And I’ve heard vinyl, grew up on vinyl. Not really worth it for me, and I’m not alone. Those who insist we're deficient because of this prove something else entirely.
rbstehno
1,430 posts
 
Again, somebody doesn't know what they are talking about in regards to RTR. RTR has a 3-3/4 speed not 3.5. BTW: I've owned a few 10" RTR 15ips decks and RTR sounds great at 15ips, ok at 7.5, and terrible at 3-3/4 and 1-7/8. Too hard to get tapes and too expensive to join the tape clubs. Sold my nice TT setup and all vinyl over a year ago and haven't regretted it
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