Analog is the new pink


I work with a lot of "kids" in their 20's who seem to think analog is cool, so they are buying cheap turntables and used vinyl and acting like they know the difference between the sound of records vs. CDs. I think it is great that they are discovering analog in an age that has gone digital, but in my experience CDs actually sound better when using lower end equipment. I didn't truly fall in love with analog until I was able to afford a serious system costing thousands of dollars. My ears are older now so I understand that I am not as able to hear certain frequencies, but my old ears can definitely hear the difference between good and bad sounding systems.
I am not complaining, just making an observation here. I also enjoy the fashion side of vinyl, but I wouldn't be listening to vinyl if I didn't have the great system that I own. It would not be worth the trouble. Thoughts?
128x128snackeyp
Also...

A year or so ago I was buying new vinyl regularly at Hot Topic of all places. Their prices were a bit cheaper than Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds, et al., plus no shipping to deal with.

Everytime I'd see someone different at the register I'd ask if they knew how many people buying vinyl their were actually listening to it. Every cashier said about 3/4 of the buyers listened it. I had a great conversation with one or two of them about turntables, gear, etc. The cashiers weren't really people I thought I could have a meaningful conversation with (ever been in that store?), but I was pleasantly surprised. I think they were surprised that a 30-something guy could be cool too.

I got one of them to buy a Pro-Ject Debut, NAD integrated, and Focal 705Vs from a local shop. He loved it. I was talking about how there's great gear out their for not much money, and he should check out the local shop to hear some stuff. A few months later when I went back in, he spotted me and told me what he bought. There's one person I got through to. Not that I preach hifi by any means though.
Guitarslimjunior, you made my point perfectly; thanks. As a follow up to my earlier post:

I think I have created a monster. My son, who showed NO interest in my stereo let alone my tt before being on his own, called me up a couple of days ago to ask for help troubleshooting what sounded from his description like a mild case of mistracking. He was very distraught that vocals on his new LP finds sounded a little "I don't know, just not right; a little staticky". And so it begins....
There is exactly nothing wrong with this little vinyl "fadlet" among hipsters or anybody else as the only result is good for vinyl...hard to fault newbie youngsters for "moving on" from what might have been a "closer brush with vinyl", as anybody who has one of these young people around can attest to the taste and style niches they need to own. My daughter was dragged (she seemed to like it) to several years of monthly "Folkie-esque singer/songwriter" concerts I mixed, until she got older and lost interest. Now she's a college kid and part of the DJ/Dubstep "dance 'till you drop" scene, and that's all she seems to listen to for now. She does like my guitar playing though...so there's that at least. Vinyl has momentum now...new pressing plants, etc., and really...how many people does anyone know who really cares about HiFi? It's always been damn few, and that's fine with me.
In my are...exile in main st goes for 30 used...Cmon that's rape...we all know the seller got a stale cookie for it...that's just one example...there is tremendous profit with used sales...even on crap product...some indie stores are taking advantage if this
I have grown kids who have always enjoyed my system and expressed their admiration by asking their friends to listen. They recently accompanied me on a vinyl hunting trip and picked up several lp's of their own. Records shop owners in Philly and New York have told me that most of their clients are younger. Kids are easily attracted to the simplicity of mp3's but react positively to quality audio. Vinyl does things that digital can't and many who experience this will be permanently attracted. College kids will one day have lots of money to spend- that's the future of audio. BTW my kids and I have been to Brandi Carlisle concerts (their style)and now we're going to see Jane Monheit (my style). Quality sells!