Are you going to run two completely separate systems, one analog and one digital, or just unplug and replug whichever source you are using (direct to a common amp) each time you listen?
If you are using a common amp/speaker setup, I'm all for the purist route, but I would still consider going through a high quality preamp to facilitate the switching. If you get the right preamp you may even like the sound better through the line stage and extra connections. I've seen it happen.
Going direct digital into an amp isn't always the Nirvana it should be... And if you use a low output MC cartridge, you may even require added gain from a line stage to achieve enough listening volume.
The purist route is great if it doesn't inconvenience you too much and the results are demonstrably superior -- two big "ifs" in my book.
As far as preamp recommendations go, we'd have to know everything else in your system and your listening preferences in order to make a meaningful recommendation.
If you are using a common amp/speaker setup, I'm all for the purist route, but I would still consider going through a high quality preamp to facilitate the switching. If you get the right preamp you may even like the sound better through the line stage and extra connections. I've seen it happen.
Going direct digital into an amp isn't always the Nirvana it should be... And if you use a low output MC cartridge, you may even require added gain from a line stage to achieve enough listening volume.
The purist route is great if it doesn't inconvenience you too much and the results are demonstrably superior -- two big "ifs" in my book.
As far as preamp recommendations go, we'd have to know everything else in your system and your listening preferences in order to make a meaningful recommendation.