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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?

audio-b-dog
parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

@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. 

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
778 posts
 

@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. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,834 posts
 

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. 

jmrrobbie1
78 posts
 

Again - a apple/oranges thing.... I enjoy both & they both have pro's & con's.

Some of my digital (CDs, SACDs, digital library, downloads) just sound better "on my system" to "my ears" than others from the same tracts & on the same system; I am sure it is the production/mastering. Same holds true for my vinyl path. I did upgrade my digital path (Aurender N20 & Berkley Audio 3 DAC) two yrs ago which made a huge difference in my digital path. For me - it is not a competition between the two...I enjoy both.

Regarding older vinyl to newer "remastered" ...again, how it was produced makes a huge difference. Take the original 1971 Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks", John Bonham's drums & that profound iconic tract, a simple production for that timeframe...but a very unique sound stage, mic placement, delay mastering.

The same for Wagner's opera:  Best Sound Stage & Audio Recording (Studio)Production: Der Ring des Nibelungen (1958-1965) – Georg Solti / Vienna Philharmonic.Location: Sofiensaal, Vienna (Decca).Why: Frequently ranked as the greatest recording of all time, it utilized state-of-the-art stereo technology to create a massive, cinematic sound-world. While it is audio only, the production value by John Culshaw is unparalleled.

Similar reasoning: I prefer to see the same band/concert at Red Rocks over Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre...it just sounds better there.

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