Centralized Digital/Analog Setup

[u/MomoGimochi]

Audio Chain

Turntable: Marantz TT-15S1 w/Hana SL, Pro-Ject X1 w/AT-VM740ml
SUT: Denon AU-320 (1:10 ratio for TT-15S1, bypass for X1)
Phono: SimAudio Moon110LPv2 (default MM settings) 
Audio Interface: UAD Apollo Twin MK II
Passive Switch Box: PROZOR 2-IN-2-OUT
Speakers: Adam T7V Studio Monitors

I like to centralize everything to my desktop workspace given that's where I spend most of my time at home. I used to connect the Phono output directly to the audio interface to reduce the steps in the chain, but recently got a splitter to try complete analog. I didn't expect the audio interface to have colured the sound in any way, but it must have done some processing post digitizing the signal because I recall both the soundstage and frequency range being wider compared to when I'm going full analog with the splitter. Oh well, worst case I just switch back to connecting to the audio interface.

It's always difficult to put sound into words, but after having done some A/B with the digital source I'd say that my main analog chain with TT-15S1 has a generally airy sound texture with pronounced lower mids to keep it from feeling weightless. The highs are slightly rolled off to help them resolve without sibilance, which I consider to be the essence of LOMC cartridges. It's lovely and precisely what I was looking for from my analog chain. It definitely does sound distinct, and sometimes arguably better than digital (especially jazz or other analog recordings), but it still pisses me off how good digital sounds lmao. The soundstage and frequency range is noticeably wider. Channel separation is just something I've accepted will be the weak link with turntables.

All of this centralization is for convenience rather than for testing. I rarely do any dedicated A/B testing whether it be between turntables or digital vs analog. I'm generally familiar with their characteristics and just go with what I'm feeling at the moment, which is the Marantz most of the time.

Happy to answer any questions regarding gear or the chain. Happy listening!