I have heard some $90K Analog Equipment that sounds just as....sterile? It sounded just as you described "PRISTINE with all of the resolution of an electron scanning microscope and absolutely sound NOTHING like music". In fact I have tried to search for a particular Turntable/Cartridge/Tonearm/Phonostage that produces the classical Analog sound. On occasion I have found such combinations ( The Cost Was Irrelative ). It sounds to me like it has something to do with the midrange. The midrange blooms, it breathes, it has lots of 3D decay, it reaches out and grabs the listener, the presence sends shivers up your spine. Being in the presence region might have something to do with it. Odd, or even order harmonic content might have something to do with it. I try to avoid Analog set-ups that try to compete with the old classical CD Sound ( Sterile with overemphasis of detail ). In the past this is what Turntable manufacturers did to compete with CD ( Many Did- Not All ). I am finding it harder to find an Analog Rig that still has that classical Analog sound. I am starting to find more Digital set-ups that are starting to emphasize it more, and capture it ( Maybe Not As Well As Analog, but Analog doing so is becoming rare ). The right Recording seems to be critical to getting this effect ( With Loads of Midrange Harmonic Content- Even or Odd Order ). I have heard lots of Analog Records that encapsulate the classical, sterile CD sound. It seems to me to be a sweet spot of just the right combination of recording, and equipment. Used to be just a phenomenon of Analog only- this has changed. This sound might be beneficial to classical and pop, jazz Music. I don't think it does Rock, or Heavy Metal a lot of justice. Leading edge initial attack might become blurred with emphasized harmonic content. It is hit, or miss with both Analog- and Digital. Personal preferences will mostly dictate.
When is digital going to get the soul of music?
I have to ask this(actually, I thought I mentioned this in another thread.). It's been at least 25 years of digital. The equivalent in vinyl is 1975. I am currently listening to a pre-1975 album. It conveys the soul of music. Although digital may be more detailed, and even gives more detail than analog does(in a way), when will it convey the soul of music. This has escaped digital, as far as I can tell.
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- 835 posts total
- 835 posts total