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An interesting Digital vs. Analog experience

On Friday I visited my local hi fi store where Garth Leer of Musical Surroundings was showing off the new Clear Audio Master Innovation turntable and Jim White of Aesthetix was on hand with a lot of his gear. The speakers were Focal Stella with dual JL Audio Gothom subs. Obviously, the point of the event was the turntable, but I'll have to admit that when the music was temporarily switched from the turntable to a labtop both my friend and I thought the digital sounded better.

I've heard A/B comparisons in the store before using identical recordings and in that case preferred the vinyl, but this time with the recordings being different I would have left with a very different impression.

I mentioned it to Jim White (I didn't discuss it with Garth Leer since because I didn't want to rain on his parade) and his comment was that the system was tailored for analog so I'd probably really enjoy a system that was intended for digital. I think the computer was using an Aesthetix CD player for the DAC.

It was the first time in a long time that I was blown away with the sound of a system in that room, it made my system sound very humble (as it is in comparison) in a way that I had not heard before. It was the first time that I've heard Aesthetix amplification making the Focal Utopia's shine.

I guess what I'm saying is that both vinyl and digital can be amazing, but the difference in convienience is astounding.

I could see myself owning a pair of Stella speakers, but I don't think I have enough organs to sell to pay the bill. I doubt my wife would be willing to chip in...
mceljo
daverz
487 posts
 
The Clearaudio Innovation turntables start at $7500 and go up to $15000. It's not clear to me exactly which Clearaudio TT this is, as they have an Innovation line and a Master Reference TT, but I don't see a "Master Innovation" table on their site. So that might have been an even more expensive table. The Master Reference is $28k.

The Aesthethix Rhea starts at $4k and the Signature is $7500.

So before we even get into arm and cartridge, this was a 5 figure system analog system.

Which is why I'm amused by the responses that somewhere out there, over the rainbow, there's an analog system that will best any digital system.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with being a high end analog lover. Fantastic sound. But, for myself, digital is it. Basically I'm talking non vinyl/tape. I've heard people say"analog is making a comeback with younger people". Maybe true...but 99% is for the "cool" factor, not sonic reasons. Reading the audio boards for years, many get disappointed with new produced vinyl quality (even the big priced version). I've read posts where people talk about returning vinyl regularly. I cannot say analog has better sound. I have yet to hear a TT set up that beats the best digital. But, I have not heard a TT set up and system over $10,000. The system in question I did hear sounded fabulous. But the CD version of the same material, sounded better.
cfluxa's avatar
cfluxa
127 posts
 
This discussion is getting out of hand. There are plenty of reasonably-priced analog setups that, if done correctly, can blow away the latest and greatest digital setups costing several times the price. IMHO.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Cfluxa,
There`s nothing out of hand with this thread. Those who have compared both formats and prefer digital are just as valid as your preference for analogue. Your opinion is no better or more informed than theirs,nor is yours any less.There are`nt any absolutes, simply choice. Neither "blows the other away" IMO.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
" could see myself owning a pair of Stella speakers, but I don't think I have enough organs to sell to pay the bill. I doubt my wife would be willing to chip in..."

I'm not getting involved in the analog vs digital debate, not interested. What did cue my interest is the JM Labs speakers. I've only heard a few models and have always been extremely impressed. I can only imagine how those Stellas make music. I know I'm off topic but really, what impressed you the most about this experience? :)
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