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

 

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.

@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. 

@audphile1 

I am picking up a used Meitner MA3 from The Music Room and trying to see if I can get it upgraded if I want, having The Music Room acting as my dealer. But from what you and others have said, the Meitner without an upgrade should bring my streaming experience much closer to my analogue rig. 

OP,

Without a doubt the original MA3 is a nice DAC but to me it sounded bass shy and had reserved dynamics. Otherwise it’s really sweet sounding piece with zero digital harshness. The MA3i is a completely different animal. 
In addition, the network card in the original MA3 does not support Qobuz Connect and Tidal Connect. It supports Roon and Jplay. If you want to proceed with trying it I recommend a 14 day Jplay trial. 
 

Other than that, unless it’s already shipped, honestly I would skip it or send it for am upgrade shortly after receiving it. The new MA3i is on a different planet.