[Freo-1]

Given the current state of audio, looking for feedback on what your "preferred" setup for music playback.  Some items for thought:
 
What criteria did you use to select your equipment?  (why vinyl or why digital, for example)
What aspects of playback are the most important to you?  (Noise, clarity, loud spl, etc.)
How does the equipment chosen support your preferences?  (This product supports my preferences by....)
 
There are no right answers, only preferences.   Expect to see a lot of diverse approaches and viewpoints.

[Diamond Dog]

My system doesn't seem to fit any of the supplied categories- digital, tube ( pre ) and solid state ( class A/AB ). Pretty sure I'm not alone with that type of set-up...

D.D.

[WC]

Maybe the categories should be source/pre/amp. Class D doesn't fit. It should have a source indicated, shouldn't it?

[Freo-1]

Maybe the categories should be source/pre/amp. Class D doesn't fit. It should have a source indicated, shouldn't it?

Yep. Agree that a hybrid choice sholud be there.
 
Tweaked the poll.  Thanks for the feedback!

[mgalusha]

Not to confuse it too much, but I voted vinyl/tubes but obits the phono pre, which in my case is SS followed by a TAP-X AVC.

[Freo-1]

Not to confuse it too much, but I voted vinyl/tubes but obits the phono pre, which in my case is SS followed by a TAP-X AVC.

Mike, what are the traits you weigh that made you choose the equipment you did? 

For me, tubes have a natural sounding presence that solid state cannot quite recreate.  Mind you, my solid state playback (Pass Labs INT-150) may be the quietest and maybe the most accurate setup I've ever heard.  Having said that, the DIY tube setup I'm using just seems to convey a presentation that gets closer to the illusion of a live musical event. 
My choice for source material is digital, based on a preference to minimize noise, maximize dynamics, and maintain consistency.  As my musical choices went more towards classical, I found vinyl just had too many shortfalls/limitations for my ability to enjoy the music.  I certainly understand the allure of vinyl (had a high end setup for many years), and for some, what vinyl does right outweighs it's shortfalls compared to digital.  I was in the vinyl camp until about 2002, when digital (to me) had sufficiently overcome it's limitations to challenge vinyl.  With the advent of DSD/DVD Audio/Multi Channel playback, decided to abandon vinyl.  Have not looked back, nor regret that decision.
 

[WC]

Well I haven't explored it enough to give an answer as to my preferred setup. I have been running with a digital front end into Solid state (A/B) amps. Haven't heard any other types of amps. I picked up a turntable recently, but I haven't yet put it in my system. I am planning to build a SET amp this summer and try out some full range speakers to see how it differs from what I have been using for the last 20 or so years.

[Diamond Dog]

My system utilizes a digital front-end, odd-ball tube pre and class A/B solid state amps. I'm really happy with the outcome and don't seriously think about changes no matter how much audio porn I see on AC and elsewhere. For me, it's all about balance both tonally and sonically and I really like the way my system handles everything well from Chopin to Clutch. With a fair bit of research, some really good advice from people who know a lot more than me ( which is pretty much everyone, really  ) and the odd leap of faith ( plus an obscene amount of money    ) I've arrived at where I want to be. A couple of those big ol' Manley tube amps might be fun but as  with vinyl, I really just can't be bothered. Heresy? Perhaps, but that's how I feel.
Follow your bliss, folks. I hope you end up as happy as I am with your set-ups. Well, time to listen to some music. Thanks for the topic, Freo !

D.D.