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
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!
afmartucci
13 posts
 
Sorry guys, I just don’t think the vinyl is that greater than a good cd.
As much as photography, digital has gone far. Of course that old film cameras have a better picture. That doesn’t mean the digital photography is not good. I do think that we can appreciate the difference between a good vinyl and a good cd is on systems above 30 / 40 k USD. You will need at least nice speakers, at least 10k for the pair. Monoblocks for them - another 10k. Another 20k on eletronics. Not saying here cables and other complements. Having all that you will also need a vinyl that was recorded as analog. Nowadays most of the vinyl recording are done digital. The vinyl is a waste of time and money for me, as much as this fancy expensive systems, but I do have one. Moneywise this is a waste a time. Even in my expensive fancy system I don’t see a vinyl in the near future for me.
roxy1927
135 posts
 
You have some serious upgrading to do on analog rig as many people are saying. It's expensive and takes time if you don't have the funds. Upgrade that tone arm and cartridge. Or as soon as you can afford a 3D tonearm and koetsu or Lyra.

And I listen to a lot of digital. I don't find it harsh or unmusical.

But vinyl has an important part in a system and can be tremendously exciting and moving in a way that digital isn't.

I listen to classical on digital because lp surface noise is too much for me. But then I'll put on the lp of the Reiner Kiji or Ansermet Pulcinella and it's jaw dropping time. 
rollintubes
84 posts
 
All equipment selections and tweaks aside, I haven't noticed anyone suggesting that you try a better method of cleaning your vinyl. I noticed a significant improvement in the timbre once I used a US machine to clean my records.

Rollin
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