The past meets the future

To me a quality analog front end sounds more lifelike and real versus a comparable digital setup. Playing a record can at times give a sense of euphoria in the form of goosebumps or hair standing on end that is surprising and quite pleasant. I’ve never had that feeling playing digital or streaming. Maybe it’ll happen some day, but hasn’t yet.

@newbee 

Yes, there is something to be said about the ritual. Now that I get a bit of a SQ edge from my vinyl… I am enjoying the ritual a bit more. So much so I ordered a German Ramar record brush. I typically use a Last fluid and brush before playing if my album if the disk has picked up some dust. To enhance the tradition I actually just bought the highly rated Ramar brush rosewood steained record brush. Appearent lay effective and beautiful. 

Don't forget to clean the stylus and use an anti static devise to remove the static created from brushing the disc. Lets not get too casual about this. :-)

FWIW, putting together/setting up a good analog system is a hobby within a hobby as is record collecting. Both are time consuming and can be humbling at times. The better your 'ears' the more humbling it can become. But if you are a bit anal about it the results can be very rewarding. Loved it when I was doing it!

Nothing beats shopping in a good record store....leafing through albums,perusing the covers and liner notes. Digital is nice, but it doesn't give the tactile experience that records do.

Interesting thread - lots of nostalgia floating around, but here is what I am seeing since the advent of the CD.

• more new sytlus profiles have been developed than at any time prior to the advent of the CD
• More cantilever materials have been employed to improve cartridge performance
•  More retipping services are now available than at any time in the past
• More new cartridges are now available
• More new Tutntable designs are now available to the market
  • from entry level to highest end products
• More third party arms are now available
• More audio companies are now building Phono stages
• More artists are releasing albums in both formats
  • AND the quality of new vinyl is improving 
• more used record outlets are popping up everywhere
• more younger people are discovering the "kick back and relax" approach, when listening to vinyl
• I know younger people are really getting intl the album cover art and included artist's notes
  • they find the foramt is a more intimite connection to the artist and the album

I think vinyl has made its resurgence and established itself as another medium that for some is preferred.

I have some albums in both formats

Both formats perform to very similar levels in my system, so for me, it's not a case of which one is better.

I just see each format  as serving a different purpose

1. the convenience of the NAS drive or streaming service, more for backgroud music when friends are over
2. vs. those "Rrituals" that for me, puts me into a more "relaxed frame of mind"
   • plus a glass of my favourite beverage 🤪

Where will it all end up? Only time will tell - but MY vinyl rig is here to stay

Regards - Steve