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The character of analog and digital

Having just obtained some high quality analogue components, I want make some comments on the character of both analog and digital.
First of all it’s very difficult to speak of analog in general. Records vary widely (indeed wildly) in sonic character and quality. Digital recordings are much more uniform. When you play a digital file you more or less know what your getting. Of course some sound better than others, but there is a consistency of character. With records, it’s the Wild West. Variation in SQ and character are rampant.


Therefore it becomes very difficult to make generalizations on which categorically sounds better.

128x128rvpiano
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

Whether analog or digital, one must try to obtain the musical message first then accommodate the ears to the particular sonic quality. Something we audiophiles find hard to do.

Only then can we make a truly informed judgement on SQ

But how do we play a CD backwards? 😁

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,340 posts
 

It is very pointless to 'discuss' own preferncies (not directed to you) if one is not familiar with process. Seems nobody here reads the words of people who are actually responsable for the actual sound of some recording or format, like Steve Hofman in post that I ve linked before, above, or again, here, from another 'master' Kevin Grey.

@alexatpos 

I read. I also watch videos on YouTube describing everything that goes into making a vinyl record. Few good examples would be the Scott Hull video where he’s talking about the entire process, as well as a video from Analog Productions (it’s a tour of QRP more or less).

But in the end it is the result that matters and it is and will always be about personal preference of the end user. There are too many variables and moving parts involved. And as we see from this and other discussions, not every system is set up where analog and digital are on the same level. That alone is dictated by preference more often than not (just read thru the discussions on this thread). 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,007 posts
 

I always smile when a PDK car / driver combo laps the purist….

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,034 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

I always recommend you do a few minutes of analytical listening, but quickly switch to listening to the music and not the equipment… this will allow your subconscious latch on to the equipment which gives you the greater emotional connection… moves you.

Very sage advice. Reminds me of Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

The tricky part is that the listening to music part (the feeling, romantic part) then must be taken back up into the classic part (analysis) in order to play a role in the audiophile decision. Ouroboros, all the way down. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,007 posts
 

My other hero is Bob Clearmountain who understands a simple remaster isn’t enough….in many cases…

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