Streaming is way too complicated and troublesome. I don’t need a Mesh Router, Music Server, Network Streamer, Network Interface, Network Server, Ethernet Switch, Network Switch, Ethernet Cable, Ethernet Filter, Word Clock, clock cables, USB Cable.
I get it. You prefer vinyl. But there’s not need to make it seem like streaming is more complicated. It’s not.
Perhaps I have it wrong, but my experience is that vinyl requires more trouble. Supposedly, vinyl is straightforward—drop the needle and listen. But that’s backwards. A turntable and phono stage capable of good sound run $1,500–$5,000, and that’s just the beginning. High-fidelity turntables require precision engineering with air or magnetic bearings and optical speed control systems to manage mechanical complexity that never goes away. You’re calibrating tracking force, anti-skate, VTA, cartridge alignment. You’re dealing with vibration isolation, footfall sensitivity, acoustic feedback. The cartridge wears out every 500–1000 hours and costs hundreds to replace. Setup requires technical knowledge or professional calibration.
On the other hand, a streaming endpoint and DAC at comparable performance—$600–$4,300 for the hardware—solves a completely different problem: digital-to-analog conversion. Once installed, it works. No calibration. No wear consumables. No sensitivity to room vibrations or footsteps.
Turntable design solves mechanical problems that are perpetually present—wow and flutter, needle wear, tracking force drift. Streamer design solves an informational problem once, then stays solved.
Vinyl ownership demands constant maintenance and technical attention. Streaming ownership means buying it, plugging it in, and forgetting about it. A $10k turntable requires you to stay engaged. A $10k (way too much to spend IMO) streamer just plays music.
