Thanks for documenting your experiences. It is much appreciated. Yup, your experiences are similar to mine. My new updated Streaming front end with Qobuz sounds as good as my CDs & SACDs with comparable resolution. My Analog setup can sound different from my Digital, but, I have just found an example described in this thread where they both sound the same... So, the big question I am trying to answer is will a new upgraded DAC really improve my digital system in my large room with my current tube preamp, tube amps, & speakers which I plan to keep for the long haul ?
I could not hear a difference between Analog and digital...... what gives ?
I always thought I could hear the difference between Analog and Digital. I have been looking to add another DAC to my 11 year old McIntosh D150 DAC, and a recent post here about Jethro Tull inspired me to pull out the two best versions of the Jethro Tull Aqualung album - the Mid 90's DCC Vinyl version and the Mid 90's DCC Gold CD. These were special Vinyl and CD from the same original master tape and mastering. Ian Anderson kept the master tape hidden for over a few decades before providing them for these DCC versions. Volume level is also almost exactly the same between the Vinyl and CD. I played both versions at the same time through the same pre-amp, amps, speakers - switching back and forth through out the whole album and I could not hear a difference between the analog or digital. They both sounded fantastic and exactly the same. What does this mean ? is this normal ? Has my hearing deteriorated ? Is it because both my Analog and Digital front ends are all McIntosh ? Is it because the DCC version of this Album could be from a digital file on both the vinyl & CD ? This whole episode has put a damper on my new DAC aquisition... I mean if I cannot tell the difference between Analog and Digital, then, who am I kidding with R2R, Delta Sigma, etc.... My system is posted under my signature, and as you will see I have very resolving speakers, so, I am not sure what to think... I would appreciate any feedback on this surprising experience. Thanks so much..
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@8th-note your Hana SL is great but the next level Hana ML with micro line stylus reduces the surface noise even further. It’s very quiet unless you’re dealing with a beat up record or a ton of static. |
Hello hjdca! Rejoice! There's one less controversy to get involved in. Be happy! Enjoy the Music! |
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