Do you not like the sound or is it just time for something new and different?
In my mindâs eye I can see a new offering from PS Audio, the Stellar Supreme, with a built in Stellar-caliber ADC built in. Or at least a slot in the back to install the requisite ADC upgrade.
Welcome!
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I wonder if you could have said you ordered a Power Plant but received only the remote⌠
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I own and operate both the Stellar Phono Preamp and the Nuwave Phono converter. They both are great and the A to D in the NPC is no slouch. I currently use the SPP to record my records via the NPC. I get excellent results. PS Audio has backed away from the NPC format since the introduction of the BHK Preamp. For someone using the DAC to drive the amp this kills the ability of that user to play records through the DAC. I am Blessed I can afford to keep the NPC for recording purposes while also owning the SPP.
I own a NuWave as well. I have made many recordings of my vinyl albums. But these days I prefer to just play the album. Doh!
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I am the opposite. I prefer the disk for the convenience and the lack of any ticks or pops. Vinyl Studio does an amazing job cleaning up surface imperfections.
What clicks and pops?
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No matter how good the condition of the record there are always at least one click or pop that needs attention. Analog record playback is not perfect.
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I get it, and absolutely Vinyl Studio is an outstanding tool to clean up those blemishes.
My Degritter and my cartridge do an amazing job of minimizing noise.
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I am very close to closing the vinyl chapter of my music life. I donât use my analog system at all anymore. Some of it started with an accident with my turntable, and some of itâs related to my lack of interest in the rituals of vinyl. I am concentrating on my digital system. I know itâs blasphemy to some, but I am convinced there are several changes coming very soon with AI and DAC development that will surpass analog. I spend a lot of time now with AI and I can see whatâs possible. What some are seeing with BACCH is just the edge of whatâs possible. Up next for me is a Rossini APEX which will keep me happy for a while. After that time will tell, but I am certain it wonât be a very long wait.
I write all of this as I impatiently wait for a VTL 6.5 Series II Pre to be delivered. Decidedly analog and antithetical to what I wrote above!!! But at least I acknowledge it! 
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In this house vinyl is autobiographical as well as musical, so it isnât going anywhere anytime soon. Taking proper care of vinyl IME can result in a pop and tick free listening experience. A Degritter, VPI 16.5, and/or proper ultrasonic cleaning method can alleviate the clicks and pops. I just listened to a Japanese pressing circa 1972 of Duke Ellington at The Plaza. Surfaces were silent and the sound sublime. I can understand why someone getting into this hobby may not and probably should not pursue vinyl. Furthermore, I respect those that choose to walk away from it. There is more to music listening than technology.
When I want total immersion, it is an analog and vinyl based listening session via tube amplification, as it should be in my opinion.
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Would LOVE one of those Degritters, but wow 3,200 could buy me a lot of vinyl. Pops and clicks never really bothered me, just a part of the deal. Needledrops never do it for me, they always seem to be missing that âthingâ that makes vinyl sound so good. Life is too short, I just spin the vinyl.
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My Degritter brings way more joy than a $3300 Cable.
Itâs so easy to use, and extremely worth using.
It should be mandatory for all folks with decent vinyl connections. Hold your nose and enjoy the joyride!
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If one of my local buddies doesnât buy my Audio Desk Pro, you may see it for sale on the forum in the next month or so.
This is how you know someone is serious about moving on from LPâs.
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I feel like a novice amateur here because I am using my 1970âs vintage Discwasher D4 brush and an old Zerostat that still emits.
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I may not still use my old Discwasher brush, I do still use a 40 year old Decca brush. (And an Okki Nokki machine.)
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Iâve got to move into the 21st century when it comes to disc cleaning.
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Ultrasonic is a game changer. Highly recommended.
I prefer to listen to music than spend time cleaning records and still being stuck jumping up every 15 minutes to switch sides. There are just too many issues with playing records that I am not willing to overlook.
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