2. analog
  3. 128323-18279

When and how did you, if at all, realize vinyl is better?

Of course I know my own story, so I'm more curious about yours.  You can be as succinct as two bullets or write a tome.  
128x128jbhiller
enginedr1960
173 posts
 

The fact is you cant avoid digital as a format as there are many newer recordings not released on vinyl . I did the due diligence to improve my digital play back . I am using a Mac Mini as a server and sending my digital out AOIP to a pro audio converter and re clocking  it a couple of times and I have the holography and texture thing going on . And yes it sounded so good it beat out my SL1200 MK 5 TT set up . So I upgraded that as well to a SP10 MK2 with a 12 " arm and a new Audio Note R02 phono stage . Yes they both sound great . I have a large digital music library . I don't have room for all those LPs . All I can say is the digital can sound as good if not better then the vinyl if you handle it right .I love both formats and will enjoy a larger collection of music to suit my mood .    

 

 

wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 
I like digital in my rig and it generally sounds fine (perhaps due to a good DAC and the tubes in my amp), but LPs can sound sort of amazing for all the reasons listed above and I have lots of them so I play the damn things. Somebody wrote a great thing about how digital recordings on vinyl can sound better than the CD version…a Brit HiFI mag, and I wish I child find the article…couple of years ago…made sense actually as somehow the LP is always analog…or something. I think it's true.
cardiffkook
12 posts
 
My take on the issue is that the big distinction between analogue and digital lies with or revolves around the cartridge. Cartridges sound almost as different to each other as speakers do.  In addition, based upon how you set up the cartridge, you can further fine tune the sound.

As such, I would suggest that analogue provides two very real benefits over the more homogenous digital sound:

1.  It allows the audiophile to compensate or complement their gear and room to optimize the sound, and

2. It allows them to tailor it to their listening preferences.

In either case, it is quite possible that experienced listeners will prefer analogue.  Others, with different listening priorities or complementing equipment or rooms will prefer digital. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
I will also say that my patience and curiosity to continue to experiment with digital has waned.  I have not tried many DACs.  I stopped after trying a Creek Sequel and a NAD Master Series M51 DAC--Sterreophile Class A product.

I'm open to the idea that I could keep trying DACs and I may eventually match the sound of vinyl.  But I question whether that can be done, whether it will be a long process, and whether I will enjoy doing it.  I coupled the Manley Chinook with a nice used Dynavector and got the holography, realism, and fatigue-free listening I wanted.  I'd rather buy more records and experiment with cartridges than be buying DACs left and right. 

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
If you live in Chicagoland and want to bring your killer DAC over and A/B vinyl versus digital over some drinks, let me know!  I'd enjoy it.
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