Unfortunately, you may just have to reconcile yourself to the fact that digital hasn't equalled analog yet. In the meantime, get what you can on vinyl and, when you have to, go digital. If you have $ to burn, you can spend 1000's on digital gear (which will depreciate quite rapidly - think computers...) that will sound mighty good - but it will still lack that 'naturalness and presence'. Some insurance against this can be had by buying a good transport and accepting that you'll be replacing your DAC every 5 years or so. The really sad part is that there really isn't much popular demand for better-sounding digital. The good news is that vinyl is alive and well and you don't have to buy $40 'audiophile' lps to get that sound!
Reconciling analog and digital playback
My catalyst for posting is the recent upgrades I made to my analog system: Micro Seiki / SME 3012 / Shelter 901. The changes were made last week, so I am still getting a handle on the nuances and subtleties, but there is a significant naturalness, ease and presence that really allows me to connect emotionally with the music. The problem is that now digital playback on the Sony DVP-S9000es is so lacking in soul, emotion and body compared to analog. I was satisfied until now, realizing that the Sony is good, not great. My digital sources are almost exclusively PCM CDs, not SACD.
I want to close the gap, so that I can enjoy my CDs again! The Sony is used for DVD video playback no more than 20% of the time. I have decided to either: 1) replace the Sony with a more contemporary universal player, or 2) add a nice DAC, either a Bidat or Lavry 924, using the Sony for transport and video duties.
Is anyone more experienced with digital playback, who can provide some guidance?
I want to close the gap, so that I can enjoy my CDs again! The Sony is used for DVD video playback no more than 20% of the time. I have decided to either: 1) replace the Sony with a more contemporary universal player, or 2) add a nice DAC, either a Bidat or Lavry 924, using the Sony for transport and video duties.
Is anyone more experienced with digital playback, who can provide some guidance?
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- 12 posts total
- 12 posts total