2. analog
  3. 140184-113812

Turntable got absolutely crushed by CD

Long story short, i've just brought home a VPI classic 1 mounted with a Zu-Denon DL103 on JMW Memorial 10.5 with the appropriate heavier counterweight. Had everything dialed in..perfect azimuth, VTF, overhang, with only a slightly higher than perfect VTA. Levelling checked. All good. 

I did a comparison between the VPI and my Esoteric X03SE and it's not even close. The Esoteric completely crushes the VPI in all regards. The level of treble refinement, air, decay, soundstage depth and width, seperation, tonality, overall coherence is just a simply a league above from what I'm hearing from the VPI. The only area the VPI seems to be better at is bass weight, but not by much. 

I'm honestly quite dumbfounded here. I've always believed that analogue should be superior to digital. I know the Esoteric is a much pricier item but the VPI classic is supposed to be a very good turntable and shouldn't be a slouch either. At this point I feel like I should give up on analogue playback and invest further in digital. 

Has anyone had a similar experience comparing the best of digital to a very good analogue setup?

Equipment:
Esoteric X03SE 
VPI Classic, JMW Memorial 10.5, Zu-DL103
Accuphase C200L
Accuphase P600
AR 90 speakers

Test Record/CD:
Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing (Redbook vs MOV 180g reissue)



chadsort
Post removed 
frigi86
10 posts
 
Chadsort, you got to be kidding a $200 cartridge on a $3000 table? if  you put a $1500 to $2000 cartridge on your table. Wouldn't it sound as good as your CD? The cartridge makes the sound.
phd
1,320 posts
 
That's definately crushing news. My corn field doesn't care whether I play vinyl or CDs. But all kidding aside, must take a closer look at the cartridge as they do not all sound the same. Call VPI for their recommendations.
inna
7,296 posts
 
That's what you put on turntable - original 50's, 60's and 70's pressings. Also some Japanese first releases from 70's and a few others like original UK Dead Can Dance pressings. Not necessarily A stampers unless your system is very high resolution.
If not - forget about vinyl, enjoy digital, save a lot of money and call yourself audiophile.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Avoid new pressings made from digital files! NOT the same sound as original analog first pressings. I had the Led Zeppelin  LP box set made from digital remasters. NG! Thumbs down! Couldn't stand to listen to it!
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