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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
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
751 posts
 
I would suspect a mismatch between the cartridge and step-up stage or loading in the phono pre.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
I have found about a 75 to 80% in the win column of Vinyl vs. the same CD… That means a few can in fact just be good, and mostly this really depends on the music being played, or how good the pressing on vinyl is that you have… some vinyl are dud's so don't kid yourself, and some CD's are pretty dynamically superior in few cases due to all the time and money went into mastering the CD at the time the piece was recorded and the vinyl was an afterthought. By the way I have pushed systems in the past to be nearly identical sound quality via vinyl or CD, Where they both would do it nearly as well as the other matching up.. Again you are not really comparing the two devices of a Turntable vs. a CD player, but a Recording vs. a Recording, you will have to Expand your Vinyl testing to some other things vs. AUDIOPHILE only recordings and you will most definitely start to find some Vinyl cannot be touched by the cd no matter how many DAConvertors or Transports you put behind some recordings.     
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
In my system, SACD, DVD-A and vinyl are all usually on the same level and CD lags behind, but is still good enough to be enjoyable, most of the time.

Dave
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,460 posts
 
What????? Studio 68...I hear the exact opposite. I have an Ayre C5xe CD player - not a slouch, however the vinyl is warmer, more 3 dimensional, more air, ...just more real. If you didn't hear the vinyl, the CD is wonderful, but I do hear the vinyl. ..check your setup!!
jtimothya
612 posts
 
You're probably not doing anything wrong and it looks like you're putting together a very nice system. From your descriptions and pics, and without me knowing more, my suggestions would be: a) in line with Audiofeil's comments (above) - your table deserves, first, a better arm and second you'll get more resolution, air and improved tonality from a higher-end cartridge; and b) though not TT related, your room might benefit from some acoustic treatment. Just some ideas - good luck.

Tim
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