Hi Akro,
yes, I had some problems last week with my Stellar Phono, as reported here
I finally had the chance to listen to vinyl for a few hours. Comparing the sound between Premier DAC and TT Mediterraneo I have to admit that… vinyl immediately touched my heart. It’s not a matter of quality tough.
When the cartridge gently started to scratch the surface of the record I heard a visceral emotion, along with clicks and pops yes of course, but so engaging. A vivid image was projected on the wall, full of that kind of imperfections that reminded me something REAL and strong and dynamic with a plenty of flavors and colors. Really beautiful. It was my first vinyl experience in my new room after a few months. Amazing.
After a few records I switched to digital music, playing exactly those same albums. It was different but I appreciated more the perfection of the background, the silence and that feeling of pure pristine clean sound coming from the same front wall, those details coming from a wider soundstage, with instruments so easy to locate well separated from each other. Extremely liquid compared to vinyl, therefore so pleasant even if in a different way.
I played digital music for the rest of the night when I went to jazz from rock, don’t ask me why.
Long story short. Vinyl has more fascinating impact, period. Digital is so pleasant (and cozy) that I don’t miss vinyl. That’s the reason why both of them are here to stay in my room, in my life.
I’m not a reviewer, I don’t need critical and analytical listenings to enjoy music. Depending on different mood I’m happy to be able to have the chance to choose what I want, day by day, hour by hour. And it’s an immense privilege, my friends!