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Pros and Cons of "Staying with" Analog and Vinyl

After having various turntables over the last 40 years, I am seriously considering getting out of analog. The "vinylists" argue that analog playback sounds more natural, musical, and provides more of an emotional response. I have experienced this feeling several times while listening to my modest vinyl collection, and tend to agree....until I begin hearing pops, clicks, surface noise. I keep my vinyl generally clean and protected

However, after listening to the 40th anniversay edition of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" I am more convinced that analog is just not worth the time, money and, maintenance. The dynamics on new Aqualung are superb and there seems to be much more detail to what I remember of the Mobile Fidelity remastered recording

I have a modest analog set-up Rega P3-24 with their upgraded PS and the Dynavector 10X5 MC. I was on the verge of upgrading to the new Rega RP-6 which includes a newly design PS, and a choice of color plinths. Even with a generous trade-in value offered by the dealer, I would still be putting in about $1300 + which would get me into the Dynavector DV 20MKII ( above their 10X5.)

I personally don't see the value regardless of the sonic qualitative edge of analog. Maybe, the money could be spent elsewhere or not at all. BTW, I am not getting into computer audio, and am STILL not convinced that a BASIC DAC will bring me closer to analog sound quality. Members have recommended Peachtree's DACIT, and even the supposedly new and improved Musical Fidelity V-DAC II. I have a Rega Apollo player. A great sounding player, but it has its flaws.

Therefore, I would like to hear the pros and cons of staying with analog....or just dumping it. Thanks
sunnyjim
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Analog is much better more air,deeper stage,more depth.If you think CD is better jump on it be my guest.
lewm
13,138 posts
 
Rok2id, I respect your right to prefer digital and to revile vinyl analog reproduction. But in your initial post you stated that you abandoned vinyl immediately when the first CD players became available. That does not speak well for your audio goals; those early products and the earliest CDs made to be played on them were nothing short of horrible, and I will posit that this is a fact, not an opinion. I remember being at a party where the host was using one of the early but then well respected cdp's as a source of background music. (He had the Meridian cdp that put Booth-Stewart on the map, I think.) The sound was so amusical that I privately begged him to shut the damned thing off or to reduce the volume. So, we are all different. To each his own. Vinyl can indeed be a pain in the ass, but I love it. I have a tweaked cdp as well, and I use it for parties and as background house music, secure in the knowledge that digital has come a long way since I sat cringing before the Meridian. But when I sit down just to listen, vinyl is my choice. However, I will acknowledge that the current state of the art in digital reproduction has a lot going for it. As Cronkite used to say, that's the way it is.
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hoopster
184 posts
 
The debate never ends and gets sillier all the time. They are your ears. Please them. But I will offer a suggestion, before you drag your proverbial other foot through the all digital door, try a suspended table set up that has soul. You can always sell your Rega here or on ebay and the suspended table rig as well if you don't like it. You certainly can do this with out spending a lot of money and you might find a new appreciation for vinyl. You have a good cartridge but you may want to step up here a bit. I however, will not be in the market for your current Rega or your contemplated Rega upgrade. Not saying suspended is the only way to go but until you step up the bucks considerably I think the suspended tables are more musical. Just my opinion.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Lewm:
I agree with your statement about the early CDs and the Players. I first became aware of CD around 1985-86 in Germany. I could not afford the early players, but I had about 100 CDs before I finally got a player. I considered CD to be my prayers answered. My main audio goal was to get away from all that damn grinding click and pops and rituals in volved in playing a record. I started off thinking I would just buy classical CDs and continue with Jazz and Pop on LP. I didn't foresee the remaster thingy. I still have those first CDs. They still sound bad. I think Liszt was my first CD. Now, apparently true audiophiles can find tune their ears to hear some things and block out other noises / sounds. I cannot do that. A true audiophile can hear the difference between every amp in creation. Every piece or wire that exists. They can even hear power cords. And they get very picky about these things. But, they don't seem to hear all the shortcomings of LP. I don't get it. But it's all way above my pay grade. A Guy with a receiver and polks should not dare question the oracles. But to sum up: I listen to music. Not the gear, no critical listening, no sweet spot, no matching of components and all the rest. Just the music.
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hoopster
184 posts
 
FWIW, I bought 15 LPs today all in excellent condition for $35. Much cheaper than drugs, motorcycles or hookers. Much safer too!
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