The character of analog and digital

@charles1dad "

And yet digital can be all of that. If the listeners were not engage or interested in listening to the CDs, could simply reflect the digital hardware not up to the task. Fortunately I haven’t experienced this let down with digital sourced audio components if there’re up to snuff."

I totally agree Charles. Back in August I visited Gestalt Audio in Nashville to audition some equipment. While there Colin (the owner of GA) set for me a listening baseline by cueing up some tracks on his TW Acustic vinyl rig, wonderful engaging sound. Then in the same system I listened to a Neodio Origine S2 CD player, and then the combination of Tron Electric's top of the line Atlantic GTT DAC and an Aurrender streamer (I don't recall the model number)  as its source. Both of the digital setups were thoroughly engaging, tone, timber, resolution, etc in spades. I will honestly state that to my ears the vinyl edged both out, but it was very close. I'd be surprised if open minded folks, including significant others,  listening to this very comparable/complimentary equipment would walk away stating that there was a significant difference between the sound; having a preference for whichever  one over the other certainly. I now have the Neodio in my main system.

@facten

I was introduced to a Neodio Audio CD player in the Lamm Audio room at CES some years ago. The late Vladimir Lamm was running the room. He alternated between the Neodio and an excellent turntable set up. He had his top level Lamm electronics in use. I can attest that both the analog and digital front ends acquitted themselves quite beautifully and were very engaging. So I know you must be thrilled with yours.

I have not heard the Tron Audio DAC but I am very familiar with the sound of their SET amplifiers which are fabulous. I’d have to believe that the DAC is equally as accomplished. @grannyring owns their top model DAC and he (And his wife) love what they’re hearing.

This notion that digital is not capable of reproducing music in an emotionally engaging and immersive manner is nonsense.

Charles

Lamm RIP ;-( another great loss

@facten

Thanks for sharing your experience with @gestalt. I was not aware of the Neodio Origine S2 CD player. That’s quite a piece of serious engineering and aesthetics. I bet it sounds amazing in your well appointed system. I am intimately familiar with Daedalus Audio and Modwright, they are match made in heaven.

What do you think of Wolf Langa’s and Cessaro’s.

I am looking forward to visiting Gestalt in early December. Should be a fun trip!

@lalitk Thank you for the comments, yes very pleased with the Neodio.  The Daedalus also sound very good with my Line Magnetic and Finale Audio integrated amps .

When I was at Gestalt the Wolf Langa’s were out for audition so I did not hear them. Check with grannyring, I believe that he is getting, or may now have, the Son. The Cessaro’s were great sounding fronted by a Frontiers Audio amp no matter what the source was; I’d happily own them if I was in the market for speakers.

I hope that you have a good visit; Colin makes it a good experience. And, I found him a pleasure to interact not only during my visit but also via prior and post visit transactions conducted via phone/email