Help my analog sound as good as my streaming

@arize84,

An excellent post, so much to agree with.


"The ratio of funds needed to be spent on analog to match digital quality is significant (at least 2x or more).

Disregard any talk about vinyl being better than digital, there are simply too many variables in the reproduction chain for that statement to merit any credibility.


a) Generally listen to music in whatever format it was recorded

b) Get your records from boutique audiophile labels / pressing plants.

c) Most vinyl records pressed today are mediocre.

d) My experience is that the best sounding records are the ones that were recorded and pressed in the 1980s right before CDs took over.

e) Discog reviews are your friend
f) Above all, mastering is key; try to familiarize yourself with the names of the best mastering engineers and studios. A well mastered dollar bin CD will run circles around a minty vinyl record with mediocre mastering.

Records are cool, but they are a lot of work to get right, and unless you are ready to obsess over a bunch of details, and patiently work through a raft of frustrations, you might be better off simply investing in your digital front end and enjoying the piece of mind that comes with that."


This last bit certainly holds true for me regarding vinyl.
"...because when everything comes together it is a sublime experience.."

I recently got hold of a clean copy of Judy Garland’s 1981 Phoenix pressing of Over the Rainbow. Now I just need access to a decent record player to enjoy it again!


If only these lockdowns will finally end...

I think your goal is flawed. I would set a goal of a good vinyl system that allows you to expand access to recording that may be pleasing, no matter the source. Don't expect to be blown away by vinyl, expect to be blown away by certain recording on vinyl that for you are enjoyable.

I think this is a very good point.  

“I would set a goal of a good vinyl system that allows you to expand access to recording that may be pleasing, no matter the source. Don’t expect to be blown away by vinyl, expect to be blown away by certain recording on vinyl that for you are enjoyable.”

So it’s coming down certain recordings to enjoy Vinyl? Well, this holds true for many recordings available on CD or Streaming. In any recorded format, the mastering is the key cause when it’s done right, it results in a sublime experience once you’ve taken care of the basics i.e. your listening environment and playback system.

For a given analog set up, there are three VERY CRITICAL  points for consideration.  First is setup, Second is setup.  Third is setup.  

Everyone can have an opinion and some are may be more valuable to you than others.

Perhaps mine may be constructive.

I initially created my 2 channel stereo as a purely analog experience.  I used an NAD C375 BEE integrated amp and connected a Dual turntable and a Parasound tape deck.

I have a few hundred albums from the 70-90s as well as numerous cassette tapes.

I found the listening experience enjoyable.  I even upgraded my turntable to a Rega RP1.

Then about 2 years ago I added a Node 2i to the system.  It was significantly different and one specific area it was different was the volume was significantly louder (the internal preamp in the NAD is entry level).  I also found it easier to access more music from streaming.

Ultimately, I have updated my system including my turntable and I will say they are different and my goal in updating my turntable was to create a listening experience that was an acceptable alternative to my streaming sources.

I'm very happy with my Rega P8 and truly enjoy listening to a variety of records including new pressings.  Does it sound better than streaming - perhaps to some and maybe not to others.  But an improved analog system will provide a lower noise floor (it's quiet where my previous turntable provided some low level hum), better dynamic response (partially due to the quieter operation) and finally the music information doesn't require conversion.

I listen to streaming music about 50% of the time - it's more convenient when others are present.  Listening to records is something I will often do alone because I find it relaxing.

What ever you decide to do - it's your choice and I hope you get enjoyment out of it.  Previous folks comments about the impact of a table, cartridge and phono stage are accurate - they are things to consider if you wish to go on an upgrade path.