Does anyone have a digital system that is as involving as their analogue front end?

@audio-b-dog 

I struggled with the same issue as you.  My analog was exactly where I wanted it.  I found that i needed to make a similar investment in a DAC as I had in my turntable and other gear.  I I use a SMSL Transport and DMP-A6 streamer and tried a Topping DAC and was not thrilled.  I then had the opportunity to acquire a used Denafrips Venus II 12th and I was shocked at how good it sounded.  It is not the same as my analog chain but it is just as special now - just different.

There are plenty of people here whose digital front ends rival their very accomplished analog rigs, so it’s certainly possible if you’re willing for commit the time, effort, and $$$ to it. 

I happen to use a dcs Bartok and I think I have a capable digital setup. My vinyl rig is a Reed Muse 3(c) with a My Sonic Labs Eminent cartridge, so I think this is capable as well, but not in the range of the ultra DAC stacks or six figure turntables.

To my ears, a well mastered, clean vinyl outperforms digital streams-I use Qobuz and Tidal-don't have a CD transport. Just yesterday, I listened to an original pressing of Rumours and then the Qobuz version-to me, the vinyl sounds better. Not scientific-you get different pressings, not a blind test, etc., but I've done this enough to know that I prefer vinyl IF (a big if) its a clean, well mastered copy. The music is a little more real and tangible to my ears.

That's not to say that I find streaming bad-the difference is subtle. I probably am around 50/50 between streaming and vinyl because of the incredible convenience and endless variety available with streaming. The gap closes quickly at the end of an album side when I have to get out of my chair to change the record.

This is one of those debates incapable of resolution because every system, every room, and most of all every set of ears are different-strictly personal opinion. The only view that I reject is the one that articulates someone's subjective preference as a universal, objective fact, applicable to all.

@OP - Yes - Wadax Studio Payer and Esoteric Grandioso CD - both as good or better than high end analogue - Clearaudio Jubilee Reference/Unity/VdH Crimson XGW/Luxman E-07.

“My question is basically who has heard a really good streamer and a really good turntable and phono preamp and compared them head to head. Is there a streamer out there that can compare to analogue at its best?

Play the right album, though, and it is hard to imagine a digital front end with the air and separation an analogue rig (a good analogue rig) gives you. I was hoping somebody had a really good analogue rig and digital rig and could compare from their own experience.”

Having above average analog and digital sources in my primary system, I have done this comparison and found that yes - they can be equally satisfying - but also sonically so close (when the recording is the same provenance) that many would struggle to sort out which is which but for the slight surface noise of the analog source (which on clean vinyl is remarkably quiet). My digital rig leaves nothing on the table in regard to the desirable musical attributes. I do have to point out a significant caveat for perspective: the MSRP of my digital rig when including DAC, streamer (currently under audition) and cables is about 50% more expensive than the analog rig.  

Also for perspective: I would say I have two potential weak links in my analog rig - my phono stage is good but could be better. Same for my cartridge. The table and arm, while not SOTA, are not limiting in my setup. Regardless, I would have to spend considerable $$$ to materially upgrade any part of my analog chain. Given my already too high investment here, that’s not likely. So, one might argue that digital still may not be as good as well done analog, but I’m skeptical of that argument.

In my view, there has been a beneficial convergence between the two. Both analog and digital have come a long way in even the past couple of years. While I’ve heard astronomically expensive rigs (both analog and digital) at stores and shows that have left me wanting, it’s a good time to be a music lover who’s also an audiophile as there is even moderately priced gear that is sounding quite good these days.