For the first time...


...my digital rig is besting my analog rig in terms of sonic presence and projection. This has never happened before as I've always been more focused on my analog side, letting the Oppo 105 do its thing. However, with some recent additions and changes, my digital side sounds much better and I'm uncomfortable with that. 

Analog:

  • NAD 558 turntable
  • Hana SL MC and Clearaudio Maestro V2 MM
  • Hagerman Trumpet MC phono stage

Digital

  • Oppo 105D BDP
  • Schiit Gungnir DAC

Amplifier

  • Schiit Ragnarok 2

Speakers

  • Reference 3A de Capo-i

I think the Gungnir was the game changer as it added a sonic presence and clarity missing before. I find my analog reproduction seems to strain more to achieve much the same signature and I don't want to jump back on the upgrade train in order to achieve parity. Blah.

128x128simao

Thanks for the replies, everyone. In some ways I feel I'm betraying analog, a medium I'll continue to champion no matter what. But @grislybutter is right in that I would most likely gave to spend another 3-5K to get my analog rig up up to what my digital is now. 

I can't know what you are hearing for either digital or analog but guessing... It will take a Technics GR or a Lenco or similar and that, as a generalization, is the price of entry. Probably keep the carts you have.

@solypsa I had a VPI HW-19 Mk.4 before i left the hobby for a while. I know the NAD is a weak link