When to give up CDs and TT?


I purchased a Bricasti M21 DAC some time ago. Now I'm thinking about selling my SACD player (Marantz SA7 S1), Turntable (VPI Classic 3) and media (CDs and records) because I hardly use them.  It would free up a lot of space in my stereo room.  Any thoughts or experience with this?

 

My system is a Spectral DMC-30SV preamp, DMA-500 monoblocs, MIT Oracle cables and EgglestonWorks Rosa speakers.  The phono amp is a  Sutherland Engineering PhonoBlock. 

 

Streaming is by Qobuz using Audirvana on my SG20 smartphone.  The internet cable runs into the M21 for most listening or I use an IFI ZEN for DSD256.  My downloaded music is saved on my laptop.  I use the iFi SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro and IFI Power Elite Power Supplies to reduce noise going into the system.  

bigby

The more formats the merrier. Remember in the 80’s when CDs were replacing albums forever? Well they didn’t for hundreds of thousands of music listeners.

Good question. I seldom use mine, I should get rid of it. I had long ago ripped my CDs, so if the internet goes down I have  that. But my vinyl collection represents probably vast hours and resources to collect since the 1960's. So, it's hard to let go.

The right answer is now and use any proceeds to improve your streaming sound quality. 

@bigby 

Let me start with what I have observed and my experience…

The remastered versions of old albums on Qobuz can sound inferior to original pressings, CDs or even new AAA vinyl reissues. Dependents on what you listen to. 

I got rid of my turntable, cartridge and phono stage. Sold it to get my digital up to a a few levels. Kept records and all accessories though.

After a two year hiatus a bought a new table, cartridge and phono stage. In a course of last 6 months I upgraded the turntable, cartridge and went thru 3 phono stages and bought a bunch of new awesome vinyl. 

My recommendation would be - sell the table, phono stage and may be cartridge as well. Keep the records, keep the CDs.

Physical media can sound better than streaming and at some point you might want to return to it and get better table and phono. And a good high end transport into your Bricasti will most likely beat streaming as well. 

But…if you prioritize convenience then the answer is sell your analog setup slong with vinyl and sell your CDs.

@bigby 

The decision includes possible future reversal of your stance today.

Since you are unsure now, it’s best to keep the media for a period until you are sure to eliminate. You can dispose of gear now, then if change mind later you can reacquire. If you dispose of media today and later change your mind, you’re kinda screwed because you’ll have to purchase new media (more $ and time).