When is digital going to get the soul of music?

04-19-11: Raymonda
(All cymbals mostly sound alike on a digital rig...not so with analog).

You must have a very poor performing system. Not only should you be able to tell what type of cymbal was use but also what brand of microphone was used to record it. I never have a problem doing so and neither do any of the folks I hang with.

Sure thing. Here's my poor system...LOL at you...

Pass Labs XA 100.5 Class monoblocks
Wilson Audio W/P 8's
Mark levinson 380S pre-amp
PS Audio Perfect Wav Dac and Transport
Clearaudio Innovation Wood Compact Turnatble
Clearaudio Universal Arm w/ VTA lift
Shelter Harmony cart
Clearaudio Balance Plus Phono stage with ACCU DC power supply.
Siltech LS-180 Speaker Wire, MC 4-80 Interconnnect XLR
PSAudio AC-10 and AC 12 power cords
PS Audio Power Plant Premier Power regenerator.

Some time back, I touted the Exemplar player, a converted Oppo.
I own the Dennon/Exemplar, his former best--which I think by most standards is still excellent 'digigal'.
As I think about what I get with this player and digital overall, I can't say that it compares with:

Sota Vacuum Table
Koetsu Rosewood Cartridge
Zeta Arm

The first time I heard this combination, with Ella singing, I melted...it was/still is an incredible sound to represent music. We aren't there yet with any digital I've heard.

Good listening,
Larry

Rocketitman,
If cymbals sound better with analog in your system ,good for you and be happy. I and apparently others get wonderful music reproduction with our digital sources and are happy and content. You prefer analog that`s great, just stop trying to convince others about what they hear in their individual systems. It`s foolish, trust your ears and we will continue to trust ours.
Best Regards,

(Sure thing. Here's my poor system...LOL at you...)

I said poor performing system not poor system. I also did not indicate that digital was better. Actually, in most cases I agree that analog is better, just that your statement that all cymbals sound the same with your digital front end means that something must be wrong with your digital front end. As a part time Recording Engineer, that uses a high rez multi track system on locations to record up to 50 concerts a year, and having been in the field for almost 30 years, with the first 10 being analog.....I can tell you that if you can not hear a difference in cymbals then either your hardware or software is compromised.

Now the arguement to which is better is another story for another time.

Folks, when I said... cymbals sound the same, I meant to really say that with analog, on my system...I am getting much more enjoyment from the cymbals having much better timbre with a more natural attack and decay than achieved with digital...After all, digital is only an aproximation of the natural analog sound wave. To me, it's like the analog sound wave was passed through a very fine filter, stripping the music (instruments) of it's natural space, air,textures and nuances. The soundstage is much deeper and wider with analog. Digital just doesn't do the cymbals justice like analog. Heck, I was a analog naysayer up until early last fall when I decided to plunge into analog head first. I haven't looked back. That said, enjoy the music. Cheers !