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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 
128x128jmphotography
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
766 posts
 
In the late 80's, early 90's I had a pretty high-end analog rig with a Goldmund Studio turntable with Goldmund T3F arm, Koetsu cartridge, AR SP10 preamp. In 92, I made a move across the country and had little kids, so decided to simplify my system. I hung on to my 2000 records for three house moves, but didn't have the storage space on the fourth move and my wife was getting tired of all the boxes. I ended up selling them for a small fraction of what they would get now (many MFSL and Sheffield discs, oh well). 

I missed the sound of the records, but even then I had a reasonable sounding digital rig (Spectral SDR-1000). These days, I'm absolutely loving the availability of an unlimited selection of music on Qobuz and Tidal, and do not miss the ritual of cleaning my records every time before playing them. And I'm thrilled with the sound quality I'm getting from my system. 
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
Thank you everyone for the detailed responses and discussions. For now I am staying with digital. In fact I just got a deal on a demo Innuos Zenith mkIII so I sold my Zen mkIII and moved up a notch and it was a nice jump which I am happy about. I am planning later this summer or fall to get together with a couple old friends who have TT and go and do some listening and refresh my memory with what is all involved. If its for me then maybe I will get an entry level table for a while and see if I stay with it, but now I am very happy with my all digital system.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,577 posts
 
"As hard as it might be for some to accept, I don’t think analog is for everyone".

No it isn’t but the same can be said for hard core vinyl aficionados. I believe neither analog nor digital are plug n play, they both require fair amount of attention to detail.
ghdprentice
7,160 posts
 
No. Analog is not for everyone. With digital finally getting better sounding, and streaming becoming equal or better than CDs: more music, less hassle, not surprising. 
eljefe651's avatar
eljefe651
9 posts
 
I’ve primarily been an analogue guy, but I recently got a Denefrips Ares 2 so I can bypass the DAC on my Bluesound Node 2. I think I’ve listened to maybe two records in the two months I’ve had my Denefrips. It sounds amazing streaming Hi Res or MQA. Vinyl is major time and money suck- researching and finding the precisely right pressings in VG+ condition or better, high prices for audiophile pressings, cleaning each record (think I hate that the most), worrying about my turntable’s VTA/cartridge life/etc.
I’m a busy dad and don’t have much time to listen these days. I want to spend my free time listening to music, not preparing to listen to music. I think for a while at least, I’m a mostly digital listener.  
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