What in the world is going on.....

Thecablepro.....thanks for your interest and suggestions..

I am using a VPI Superscoutmaster with rim drive, Classic platter, with BearPaws (large brass cones) which replaced the original feet. The arm is the VPI 3D plastic arm into which I have an Ortofon Winfield installed and loaded at 1000 ohms from the Ayre preamp.  I set up the arm using a MINT protracter, and adjusted the azimuth with a Fozgometer...I have an electronic scale to weigh the vtf, and have adjusted it heavier/lighter to get the best performance from the cartridge.  The arm is adjusted slightly high at the rear.  The arm is wired with the new Discovery wire and is terminated using a balanced (xlr) connection to the preamp (actually, the entire system is fully balanced).  Thanks again for the interest.

I'm not going to list my equipment and set up but rather say that after 40 years my system is good and my set up is spot on. 

Btw, cablepro, have you bought and listened to the vinyl copy? If so, what are your thoughts? I assume you have and have no issue with it., yes?

This has been one of my complaints that as your system evolves (improves) some poor recordings sound worse but the good ones sound even better. That was the case for half the posters on one thread and the other half claim that all recordings improve even the poor ones as they climbed the ladder of higher end components. But higher resolution may be a double edged sword.

Stringreen, congradulations on your investment, sounds like you have assembled a top notch system.

While on Paul Simon, especially on CD, his best of...Negotiations and Love Songs is excellent. Graceland is excellent as well.

Stringreen, can you be more specific as to the term lousy  as compared to the mp3...
Was it distorted, less dynamic, lacked clarity, poor imaging - get my drift?

My guess is it is a poor pressing and you should probably return it.

I've had pressings from supposedly good labels that had metal shavings in the grooves and other similar cutting related defects.

Vinyl should not sound worse than digital
Regards