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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.

arafiq
jonwolfpell
470 posts
 

I guess satire is a lost art. I obviously knew the initial statement was a joke and was offering an analogy. 
 

I happened to own the streamer he mentioned ( relatively new purchase) a really good turntable/arm/ cartridge  ( for a  long time) in a really nice system. All of the obvious points were made. Just having fun. 
 

I love the ease of streaming & the accessibility to lots of music I’ve not heard using Qobuz. A good recording on an album in good shape can sound a LITTLE more full bodied, fleshed out, warmer etc but in my system, it’s really close. I’m really enjoying both but probably not buying too many more albums. 

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

Comparing "digital" en masse to "analog" is equivalent to comparing karate to jiu jitsu. Which is better?

The answer: well, you need no answer.

The better prepared, stronger, fitter will always win.

When looking at equivalent levels of mastery, then the answer is: each are specialists of something. Do you want to knock out your opponent, or restrain him?

Digital tend to be more suitable for bigger groups of people, A/B evaluations, getting a good show, listening to the latest recordings, short sessions.

Analog is more suitable for finding the substance, lone whole night listening, touching soul an spirit, invoking memories that you thought were gone forever with force that takes away your breath.

Digital wants you to focus on the virtues of your gear. Analogue lets you flow with the music.

Of course, poor digital will focus on the weaknesses of your system, and poor analog will annoy you with issues you do not have with digital.

 

 

lanx0003
1,247 posts
 

I could care less whether this is a joke/satire or not. However, I wonder how many audiophiles actually know why the vinyl sounds better than digital if that is indeed the case (I was convinced), given the fact that the theoretical dynamic range (DR) of a perfect LP is in the range of 60-70dB, much less than the digital system whose DR is often well above 90dB in the neighborhood of 110-120dB. At least I have yet discovered the perfect theory thru this forum.

parnelligq
25 posts
 

As always, it comes down to what you prefer. I think digital sound better. It is also way more cost effective. But..  I have heard analog sound excellent. Set up what you like and enjoy your system. Also to remember to chill and enjoy the music you prefer. You can argue about genre on the next post.

ghdprentice
8,190 posts
 

OP,

 

+1

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