Autechres NTS in HiRes puts a system through its paces.

I prefer whatever sounds best and that can be either vinyl or hires.

But, as people have mentioned, it’ll all depend on how and for which format it’s mastered / cut.

I’m all about music recorded pre-1985ish first pressings and “audiophile” AAA vinyl cuts: there is little chance they’re mastering for the loudness wars.

After ‘85, I’ll check on feedback for any pressings as, again, it’s avoiding the loudness wars. But it is not a given it’ll sound any good because, at that point, vinyl is a second thought.

Another factor: age demographic. As listening is so subjective, I think an older cohort is going to prefer vinyl as that’s through what they created a relationship to music. The older gens are going to be able to afford systems they can show off. Younger people are, imo, by and large fine with digital and streaming.

If I understand correctly, vinyl has less dynamic range, so they can’t master for loudness like they can with digital.

It’s hires flac on Tidal.

You do if it’s a title, which it technically is.

I picked up a Musical Fidelity A3.5 for 650 the other day. These were almost 4K back in the day (adjusted for inflation) and it sounds tremendous.

I don’t think amplification itself has changed much. The concern is wear over the years. But general maintenance and even cap replacement is easy peasy for a competent service person.

GoldenEar Triton is well reputed.

I agree, allocation is good.

I think it’s been mentioned but definitely go for an integrated amp over amp and pre. Get one with either a pre-amp out and/or HT bypass for future upgrades. Personally I don’t like the idea of fast moving tech (DAC/streamer) being on-board, but these days might be hard to avoid.

But excellent 20 year old integrated amps go for so little these days. Recently I picked up a Musical Fidelity A3.5 for 650usd. Peanuts for how it performs.