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.
Does anyone have a digital system that is as involving as their analogue front end?
I have a good analogue front end. Not stratuspherically good but good enough for this comparison. VPI Prime Signature 21 turntable, Pass Labs XP-25 pono preamp, Pass Labs XP-30 preamp and Hovland Radia amp. It has a lovely, very involving sound. On the right recording, I just drop everythng and am drawn in to listen.
My streamer, on the other hand, is decent but not spectacular. It is better than my CD player, but it is not jaw-dropping like my analogue front-end. My question is this: does anyone have a high-end, tier-one streamer (dCS Bartok Apex, Lumin X2, or something like them) that can rival a good analogue system?
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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. |
@audphile1 for sure, I agree, the processing of the sound improved. I meant the concept has not been transformed: it's a groove and a needle, still. |
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