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

I think it’s absolutely possible to have the best of both worlds: analog and digital, and enjoy what each does best.

Besides my analog system, I currently use two digital systems. One is a HiFi Rose RS130 connected to a Gustard R30 via I2S. Besides sounding excellent, it also offers a beautiful user experience, both on its built-in screen and on an external monitor.

The other system is sonically superior, although a bit more geek-oriented: a Linux computer running HQPlayer Embedded, doing upsampling and sending 768 kHz PCM files to the Gustard in NOS mode.

It’s impressive how a US$300 software package can compete with DACs that cost many thousands of dollars.

Digital is ever evolving. Analog is riding a groove, in most cases, the same as it was 50 years ago. I enjoy both, and I feel the sound of vinyl and listening to vinyl is a more personal experience.

It made more sense for me to channel those vinyl dollars into a quality digital front end. The convenience of streaming, with access to millions of titles, helps drive that decision as well. Yes vinyl can sound terrific but digital just keeps getting better. I started out with a Lumin T2 about ten years ago, moved to a X1 four years ago and to a X2 several days ago. The X2 needs another 100 hours on it but thus far it easily surpasses the X1 in realism, clarity and detail.

 

parkergetdean

974 posts

05-12-2026 at 01:29am 

Digital is ever evolving. Analog is riding a groove, in most cases, the same as it was 50 years ago. I enjoy both, and I feel the sound of vinyl and listening to vinyl is a more personal experience.
 

Conceptually and on the surface yes, it’s the same as it was 50 years ago. However, advances in technology and in engineering didn’t bypass analog / vinyl and modern parts and components take the vinyl listening experience up several notches from what it was 50 years ago. This applies to component design (phono amps, cartridges, turntables), mastering and pressing. There are many full analog reissues that blow away the originals in sound quality. Played back on the right equipment this stuff sounds amazing. 
 

I still enjoy the thrill of how my TT's sonic package changes when I get a new cart and the same with little tweaks like NOS tubes in my amp. At this point I'm 50/50 LP/Streaming. In the digital lane, I've upgraded from a Lumin U1 Mini to a U1 and improved my DAC game (both tube DACs) from a Line Magnetic to a Canor. That combo improved yet again when I went from Audience coax to an Acrolink AES/EBU connection. I still play CDs from time to time only because I have some "promotional use only" copies from some very cool artists; the Enlightened Audio transport still playing great. Lot's of little steps but enjoying the process more than I ever did. Just my opinion.