Digital is far better than vinyl
I have invested a decent sum of money into my digital setup, including a decent streamer (Innuos Zenith MK3), a very good dac (Denafrips Terminator 2), Eno filter, and good cabling. But after being told by many here that vinyl is vastly superior to digital, I thought let’s build an analog system and see what all the fuss is about. So this is what I did ...
I picked up an Audio Technica TT from Amazon for around $299. I then used one of the older integrated amps with a built-in phono, which I believe I paid around $500 a few years ago. And, finally, just to even out the playing field I bought the cheapest possible cables from alibaba. Since I didn’t have extra rack space to put the TT on, I got a couple of bricks and built a DIY platform for it.
So after listening to the analog setup for a few days, I can proclaim without a shadow of doubt that digital is far, far superior than vinyl on any given day, and twice a day on Sunday.
What has been your experience? And please, don’t mention your gear or any special. cartridges, isolation, etc. Not interested in your system details. I just want to make sure you guys understand that digital is far, far superior than vinyl.
It really doesn’t matter. Use the format that works best for you. Both will give you very high fidelity playback. That said: It is nearly the year 2023. And the fact that vinyl is still part of the playback debate is amazing. It has survived all challengers to date. But vinyl requires more effort from the listener. You must know how to set up a turntable and properly match and align a cartridge...at the very least. |
@arafiq I totally support your enthusiasm and love of quality digital music (especially high res stuff). I too love my Zenith3 with Phoenix and Mola Mola Tambaqui combo (audio nirvana to my ears), and I've kinda fallen away from my vinyl stockpile as of lately. But I do feel my Technics SU-R1000 and its vinyl DSP wizardry does one hell of a job, best part is I can always grab a better MC cartridge and then up my whole vinyl chain and then DSP that too. It sound nearly as good? IDK? |
I think the issue is that some people have an aversion to the digital sound. If you do not care for the digital sound analog is both objectively and subjectively better. There is no question that on good equipment a good analog recording sounds very good indeed. I happen to prefer the digital sound overall, but I can appreciate a good analog recording. |
