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

@xmbw4 

I've borrowed plenty of cables from the Cable Co., but DACs? They don't carry that many (certainly not Ayre). The only DAC my contact there has mentioned I could demo is the T+A.  Which DACs have you auditioned from them? 

yes, took a while to get there... but it is there

For me the answer is yes, but, my ears are probably not the best... Of course, you have to invest accordingly in your digital front end.  I have done a lot a A/B testing to answer this question, and the difference in sound for me is in the mastering.  To me a newer DDA album sounds the same as digital streaming of that same mastering.  An old first pressing AAA album will sound different (better) than streaming a digital conversion/mastering of those old original master tapes.  I enjoy streaming very much (Qobuz) and I would recommend to all Audiophiles to build a good digital front end and add a high end music subscription service.

I only have CDs as source and have chosen gear, all of it, wisely based on that. My player and DAC combined retail for about $5k, and IME, somewhat limited as it may be, no vinyl table under about $15k has bettered it’s sound. But MAN, that $15k table was captivating.

I am fortunate to have acquired a Rose RS130 to feed a 2003 Audio Note DAC5 and Synthesis A100 integrated.  All were used but the sound through some custom YL based horns is amazing.  The Rose is materially better in my opinion than their streamer/dac combos I heard. It is also better than the midrange Innuos or Lumin products I tested. It is flashy ing appearance but I don’t hold that against it. Happy hunting!