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Vinyl vs. digital: what am I doing wrong?

I'd like to ask you all for help with my TT setup. I think I've amassed what should be a nice sounding TT setup. However, I don't think that vinyl sounds as good as my CD (e.g., comparing the same album on vinyl vs CD).

What am I doing wrong?

Here's my TT setup:
- Basis 1400 with clamp
- Upgraded power supply
- Rega RB300 tonearm with Incongnito wiring
- Shelter 501MK2
- VPI 16.5 cleaner with AudioIntelligent cleaning products
- Zerodust stylus cleaner
- TT set up by Brooks Berdan

CD player:
- Metronome CD2V Signature

Rest of system:
- Martin Logan SL3
- Cary 805 amp
- Music Reference Amp
- Supratek Chenin preamp with built in MC phono stage

Thanks in advance for your help.

Alvin
alvinlin
alvinlin OP
8 posts
 
I've been using my own interconnects (Belden RG6 coax) with WBT style connectors. The speaker cables are Canare RS11 biwire, also with WBT style connectors.

I use a Norah Jones album for most of my comparison. The CD version sounds more clear with better imaging. I find myself hearing more with the CD version. The vinyl version sounds a bit flat.

I'm not sure this is important but I'm using the normal version of the vinyl, not the 180g or 200g versions sold in the audiophile stores.

I don't remember the loading setting. I haven't experimented with this yet. I'll have to check when I get from my business trip.

Let me know if I'm leaving anything else out.

Thanks!
alvinlin OP
8 posts
 
I had a local shop in Boston check the TT settings, and everything was calibrated as it should. I also had the EAR 834p phono stage and the Music Reference RM5 preamp

I liked the Supratek the best but I expected the vinyl version to be much, much better than CD. Am my expectations not correct? Should I really be comparing the audiophile vinyl versions instead?
cmk
397 posts
 
In which areas was CD better than vinyl?
Post removed 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,460 posts
 
Is this a new cartridge?? If yes, you have to wait for (sometimes) 100's of hours before it sounds its best. I have posted this statement before....I have NEVER found anyone to take the time, effort, and interest than I in setting up my table...no matter who...no matter the charge.
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