Madman! Digital vs Vinyl

I do this once a year - testing the state of digital streaming, vs vinyl. In my system, vinyl still rules. I compare a high end analog chain to a mid-end digital chain. So of course, analog wins. Even so, I note that the gap is getting smaller. I compare the Lyra Atlas cart, to the Teac NT-505 dac/streamer.

I have the original Tumbleweed connection LP, and can tell you that it sounds great, better than digital, in my system. However it does not include Madman across the water (and I dont have that LP). What I can say is, some Tumbleweed connection songs, like Love song, sound absolutely fabulous on my vinyl rig. Also quite good from Qobuz streaming (AKM dac - better sound than I had before). I greatly enjoy the LP originals of Tumbleweed, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. These transport me into the time and the spirit of the artist, much more than any digital version - so far.

Lyra Atlas ? Formula 1 vs a Pinto…..

Enjoy the music

Tomic601 - so they say. But is it really such a big improvement in digital sound, from "good mid level", to "top level"? I don't have much experience. But from what I've heard, it still sounds digital to me....

The NT-505 is no Pinto, but yes, a good analog setup will show it up. 

@o_holter I have a decent TT ( Brinkmann Bardo / Triplaner / Lyra Delos vs. NAIM Unitiserve w Pardo Linear PSU and Aesthetix Pandora Signature DAC vs. Revox 15 ips half track B77 mk 3 w custom tube electronics, at that level….differences while very apparent are not a slam dunk in favor of any format. They each have virtues and weaknesses…..

obviously keeping investment and sonic returns balanced across the three formats is challenging…. and fun

In these format wars, i look for insights…. 

w respect.

Jim