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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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td_dayton
320 posts
 
with caveat that my system is "mid fi" by many audiophile standards, you can put together a very nice sounding analog rig for a couple thousand, and far far less if you buy pre-owned. whether it meets your sound quality standards is something only you can answer, but in terms of "getting your feet wet" with something decent, imho the gear investment is not as crazy as many make it out to be. buying records to play will be the bigger expense. i know people who primarily stream day to day, but still buy their favorites on vinyl - to me this seems like the wise way to do it
ghdprentice
7,355 posts
 
td_dayton.   +1

It is generally accepted that if sound quality and not convenience is your top priority, a well chosen analog rig will achieve higher sound quality at almost any price. This includes rigs in the $100K+ categories. While both analog and digital are both satisfying on my system: $34K analog vs $45 K digital, my analog rig sounds better.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,027 posts
 
I don’t think I’ll ever be digital only but I sold my turntable years ago (kept records) and my only current analog source is my MD102 tuner 

I was apprehensive about steaming and experimented with FLAC playback and finally bit the bullet and signed up for Tidal first then a few months later I ditched Tidal in favor of Qobuz and I’m glad I did.  Been streaming for 2 years and I use it more than any other medium right now ,even after putting my CDs in my Vault I find myself streaming the hi Rez content of disc I own.  
stuartk
3,066 posts
 
"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?"

Don't think there's any "secret". 

You hear noise. Others of us don't.

Perhaps it has something to do with differences in individual physiological structures and/or auditory processing capacities?

If you don't enjoy digital, don't listen to it! 

If you prefer vanilla ice cream to chocolate ice cream, enjoy your preference. Asserting vanilla is inherently superior isn't likely to convert those who prefer chocolate, though. 


td_dayton
320 posts
 
digital can sound superb. depending on your music tastes, it may be your only option for some things! and despite what the self appointed vinyl police might say, imho there are also tons of vinyl reissues sourced from digital that sound great. it isn't always such a cut-and-dry thing. i personally would not hang my hat on one type of source being inherently superior to another - just too many exceptions, too many variables. 

that said i do love vinyl for a whole bunch of reasons and one is that for me it often sounds more "alive" when compared to a digital file of the exact same material. that is my experience. and if the OP wants to try it out for themselves, it's not as cost-prohibitive to get up and running as some would have you believe - so why not give it a shot? just my .02c. happy listening 
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