CDs Vs LPs

phomchic

... given the vastly superior dynamic range of a CD compared to an LP, and the perfect reproduction of the data stream from a CD compared to the distorted output of an LP cartridge, a CD is clearly capable of vastly better reproduction.

This is where the pro-CD argument falls apart, because listening can reveal that CD does not inherently enjoy a "vastly superior" advantage over LP. The CD’s superior dynamic range is one of potential, and only rarely utilized. Other limits of LP performance - such as wow and flutter - can be well below audibility, so there’s no need for improvement.

I’ve defended CD here against those who invent explanations of its defects, such as the mythical "staircase" argument. But at the same time, I’ll defend LP from those who don’t understand the extent of its performance limits. The claim that CD is "vastly superior" is just as nonsensical as the "staircase" and "dropout" claims of its critics.

Both CD and LP are capable of extraordinary performance. And at their best, they sound very much more alike than different.

Both CD and LP are capable of extraordinary performance. And attheir best, they sound very much more alike than different.

@cleeds - thank you for that perfect voice of reason. You are absolutely right. The mastering is not a factor - I work with mastering engineers and when they are mastering they don’t master significantly differently between the two formats.

So then the format you prefer comes down to other questions:
- the nostalgia value you place on vinyl
- the value you place on the convenience of CD
- whether you are bothered by inevitable vinyl crackles
- the joy you feel on the ritual of playing vinyl
- the pleasure you get from messing with the more HiFi ’bits’ aspect of vinyl: the choice of deck, arm, cartridge, phono amp, playing with alignment, isolation and the rest. CD is generally a one box decision (and isolation, though that’s not as significant as with a record deck).
- the breadth and value of CD catalogue vs vinyl
- the storage differences and your personal preferences

but then when we move into the world of digital storage, streaming and playback and a whole new can of worms is opened.  This makes the component options for vinyl feel like a walk in the park.

elizabeth

The largest negative for vinyl is the equipment choice and setup. IF one has the skills, or a really good tech person to chose the right cart/arm combo, then set it up. At this point I would say almost no one has a person really skilled to do it. Most are half way guessing and klutzing to 'good enough'.

Agreed! And that is supported by what many people post here, and the tools they are using ... it's clear they're not precise enough to get the alignment spot-on.

Then the cleaning of LPs. Really it has gotten to a new level, but I have not made that leap to an ultrasonic cleaning machine.

Ultrasonic is the way to go, imo.