2. analog
  3. 182368-527

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
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

@simao the advice on Tube Rolling from @mulveling is solid, there is a very good experience to be had from experiencing how a swap out of a Valve can influence a end sound being produced.

Running this experience parallel with your interest in vinyl replays will bring dividends.

400 LP's is a nice collection, the chances of playing one daily is unlikely, so there is plenty of choices for a listening session to be listed and getting on with and the odd new addition which is inevitable.

When I listen to Vinyl, I usually select 10 LP's to be used over a few days with my Wife, and as the Selections are played over a few periods, there is always one or two sacrificed for a new choice that is made, could even be a CD is the only Album available of the one desired to be played.

macg19
943 posts
 

You don't need 2,000 LPs to invest in vinyl nor do you need a $100K TT to get really good. But digital is a way better value IMO. 

Yet I have zero regrets with a 1:5 spending ratio on digital vs analogue.

michaellent's avatar
michaellent
201 posts
 

mijostyn  said

And there folks is the problem. Simao is not an LP collector. In order for LPs to sound better than digital you have to be an LP collector with at least 2000 LPs.

What a ridiculous statement. I have 400 records. I probably listen to about 100 of them on a regular basis. I couldn’t possibly play anymore. I played at least two hours a day every day of the week. I’m retired.

it will take 92 years to play 2000 records at two hours a day.

Bent

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,830 posts
 

@michaellent I assume he was being dry, tho sarcasm is hard to pick up online. You bring up a good point about the sheer number of hours needed to listen. I'm not one to hold on to records or books or media I no longer listen to or read. 

@mijostyn Great question. The Clearaudio is most similar to the projection of digital, but the Hana is more accurate and resolving. 

@mulveling Yes, when I had a Hagerman previously, I rolled the tubes based on recommendations from Brent Jessee. I'll do the same and take your advice, too. Oddly enough, I loaned out the Hagerman to a friend and slotted in an unused Schiit Mani phonostage and I swear the sound is, well, more digital and wide open. Sheesh. 

grislybutter
3,164 posts
 

@mijostyn 

No serious analog lover has less than a few 100 thousand records. Get real.

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