Funny how streaming/digital still chases that analog benchmark.


Funny how manufacturers of streaming and digital gear continues to chase that elusive analog sound. I thought digital was better?

Before you all get your panties in a wad I enjoy both Digital and Analog but much rather listen to an analog source than digital.

So today I see  Innuos Introduces The PhoenixNET – A Network Switch For Audiophiles @ only $3500.00

Guess I do not see the point you can get superior sound for say $2500 or less with a decent turntable cartridge combo and phono stage. Hell Clear Audio has an all in one for $2500.

I just don’t get it and I do not care to either.
128x128skypunk
Record collecting is a pursuit / hobby in itself that requires a different commitment and specialized knowledge.  I have two acquaintances who are record collectors who rarely play their collection, but enjoy their record collection just as much as those who purchase to play.
Like all hobbies, there will be peaks and valleys with respect to value.     
I have no horse in the sound quality wars. I find it remarkable that records sound as good as they do given the obsolete technology. 
As far as record collections being “investments” they are certainly emotional investments but not financial. When it’s our time the vast majority of us will have our record collections 
1.  Handed down and likely listened to rarely if ever sitting in boxes
2. Sold at estate sale for a fraction of their cost, or
3. sold to record shop for a fraction of their cost. 
I find collecting of anything, except rare cases, to be mainly emotional and OCD than trying to amass some perceived value
@Goopson...@Goopson...

" has2be,

It may be the age difference between us that makes your posts logically incomprehensible. It is my fault for trying to understand them.

Your choice of a CD player is impressive, but has2be a little inconvenient when going around town. Being younger, I mostly use earphones"


/////^^/////////////////^^^^^^

Well, Goopson. Perhaps you can’t comprehend because your reading retention is like digital. It purposely omits half the information....like this...
"Digital in the car, on the bike, on the trails....
To me it’s "best feature" is its portability."
You still can’t manage a logical and sound argument back at the context I provided ... insults don’t quite do that..right , goopson.... oh and so you don’t hurt your wrists..I’m not advocating headphones in the car...just on the bike and the trails....
So ...still waiting...is digital not been trying to sound more analog and that’s the bar set...
Please do tell ...logically of course....but I degress. ...your still arguing which is better based on ownership bias...not the context of what and who was and still is chasing who...

Here is something else your comprehension digitally glossed over....
" Digital has come a very long way, seriously."
I stand by that. It’s a fact. Digital these days is very good. In some ways exceptional. But an original pressing of a well recorded lp in the hands of someone who actually knows how to set up and get the music out of the grooves. ..sorry Gloopson. ... obviously you don’t have the ability or patience to do or comprehend. ..you obviously haven’t heard good playback with vinyl or tape for that matter to not get what I’m saying.....anyone who has , gets it immediately.
Now the argument of hassle , cost , maintenance and effort...those arguments have merits worthy of challenge....the context of what and who is trying to sound as good as the other can...no..not at all...it is just that....a chase...one that remarkably isn’t over....

@golfmd2
I agree with your post mostly.
The value should be the music itself.....once we go...it usually does become about something else....never understood owning unplayed sealed records though...

has2be,

"... obviously you don’t have the ability or patience to do or comprehend. .."

!!!

... insults don’t quite do that..right...

Well said.

By the way, I am aware that vinyl/analog has improved over the last century, or so. Not much, over the last 40 years, I am afraid. I may be wrong.

At the same time, earphones have gone through tremendous improvements. What clueless 17-year-olds are listening to via their earphones may be way better than what you listened to when you were 17.


@mrbobm  Amen!
As far as collecting vinyl as an investment. Put your money in stocks.