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Digital is far better than vinyl

I have invested a decent sum of money into my digital setup, including a decent streamer (Innuos Zenith MK3), a very good dac (Denafrips Terminator 2), Eno filter, and good cabling. But after being told by many here that vinyl is vastly superior to digital, I thought let’s build an analog system and see what all the fuss is about. So this is what I did ...

I picked up an Audio Technica TT from Amazon for around $299. I then used one of the older integrated amps with a built-in phono, which I believe I paid around $500 a few years ago. And, finally, just to even out the playing field I bought the cheapest possible cables from alibaba. Since I didn’t have extra rack space to put the TT on, I got a couple of bricks and built a DIY platform for it.

So after listening to the analog setup for a few days, I can proclaim without a shadow of doubt that digital is far, far superior than vinyl on any given day, and twice a day on Sunday.

What has been your experience? And please, don’t mention your gear or any special. cartridges, isolation, etc. Not interested in your system details. I just want to make sure you guys understand that digital is far, far superior than vinyl.

128x128arafiq
elliottbnewcombjr
5,320 posts
 

Proper installation/alignment/calibration is DEFINITELY needed for ANY TT setup, and ANY Cartridge on ANY TT for superior results.

Done properly, (surely this OP does not have the tools and acquired skills), the comparisons get 'real' and in my case LP's always beat CD's and Reel to Reel always beats LP's.

 

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oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,797 posts
 

I sold my Rega 3 ten years ago.  I kept some records, many still in wrapper or played only a handful of times

The Rega and Thorens I had were decent tables but nothing on the level that would compare  to today’s digital .   
 

I started playing digital files through my OPPO , from there I got  Bluesound Vault , and then finally an Aurender N200 

The OPPO showed that digital can sound pretty good , the Vault proved that it could sound good and have a slick GUI

The Aurender with my current DAC sounds incredible, I was thinking about getting back into vinyl but the cash outlay to even come close would be a lot    

 

 

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,186 posts
 

The OP forgot to mention he was playing old LP's he bought at a garage sale for 5 cents each.  Now the story is complete. 🤣

wlutke
725 posts
 

Not that long ago the best analog was king but that isn’t responsible for the current popularity of vinyl.  It’s the budget systems.  Cheap digital hurts your ears.  Cheap vinyl doesn’t and, assuming the table is set up competently, sounds way better.  I have invested enough to enjoy both formats.  Each has its own pros and cons and compromises.  At the ultimate top end the debate goes on while the low and mid priced gear is ours to enjoy as we please and we apply what we know to suit our tastes.  The is no best.  

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