Analog vs Digital

If enough Audiogon posters actually agreed that a particular digital rig would compete with analog, I would like to find a way to get one to audition. Interestingly, people that own analog (turntables), Seem to argue much less about the differences between models. Most agree that while quality differences do exist (usually price dependant) Basis, VPI, Walker, etc. all make great music, especially when coupled with equal quality tone arms. Obviously phono cartridge and the set up procedures play an equal role, but with each of these combinations of choices, the essential sound that analog delivers, remains the same kind of magic. Digital media seems to have not yet reached that level of repeatability and perfection. It is also obvious that there is no "one" particular model or combination that will sway enough people to agree on a particular digital models superiority. Again, I am disappointed that there is not a simple answer for this. For me, the only choice is to enjoy the musical excellence of my analog, while waiting to see if there will ever be a "magic" digital rig. One where it is the overwhelming and obvious choice for getting the music right.

Jeffiostarca, I couldnt agree with you more..digital is convenient, and as always I concur with Albertporter. As I rarely buy "audiophile grade recordings, I own several recordings both on vinyl and cd, many many times the cd's disappoint me, aside from some surface noise never am I unhappy with the vinyl version.

Well, there is no shortage of bad sounding and even amusical digital gear to be sure, but by the same token, there is some really great sounding digital starting to appear and the gap has closed substantially. Sometimes I play records and get surprised when the CD version actually sounds better than the LP. "Lightyears" difference--that's just nonsense--don't look in the laser boys...sounds are closer than they appear. :)

My CD50 is just as pleasing to me as my vinyl rig, and they are at similar retail price points. My vinyl rig is a VPI HW19 junior, AQ PT-8 arm, Benz Lo4 cartridge, Phonomena phono stage.....................Good CD's do remind me very much of analog, thru the CD50. It might not be "equal" to the vinyl, but my definition of "hold a candle" would be more generous than yours, perhaps. You might even say it fires a laser, a musical laser that extracts all the musical colors in the rainbow, from a mere 570 nm of reflected infrared...and extremely low jitter, and dual differential DACs, and an output stage that runs in full class A, and can drive any power amplifier anywhere DIRECTLY....and sounds like music...and ALMOST like my analog rig.

Good post Carl-- glad to see someone weigh in on the digital side as well as analog. I really like my Levinson digital front end (M37 transport, M360S DAC) too, but have limited experience with (good) analog. I do have a good vinyl junkie friend and have listened to his HQ system, but his room (vaulted ceiling), speakers (MG 3.6s), and music tastes are so much different than mine that I find it almost impossible to compare them. I don't particularly like his system-- even with "my" music, but of course he loves it-- as I do my own system with dynamic speakers. From what "good" analog I have heard, I feel that I am giving up little or no musicality by using HQ digital only. I do not like the various low level noises associated with vinyl, but also admit that I haven't spent the time, money, and effort necessary to achieve best possible analog sound. My VJ friend tells me that you have to "listen past" the various noises. But I really like the stone quiet of CDS. Cheers. Craig.