2. digital
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Has anyone been able to define well or measure differences between vinyl and digital?

It’s obvious right? They sound different, and I’m sure they measure differently. Well we know the dynamic range of cd’s is larger than vinyl.

But do we have an agreed description or agreed measurements of the differences between vinyl and digital?

I know this is a hot topic so I am asking not for trouble but for well reasoned and detailed replies, if possible. And courtesy among us. Please.

I’ve always wondered why vinyl sounds more open, airy and transparent in the mid range. And of cd’s and most digital sounds quieter and yet lifeless than compared with vinyl. YMMV of course, I am looking for the reasons, and appreciation of one another’s experience.

128x128johnread57
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
279 posts
 

@tomcy6 agree, the upshot being perhaps the difference is the analog source chain produces the magic that analog enthusiasts talk about. But is it a distortion, or a higher fidelity engine? 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

The fact that the buyers of these MOFI 'sourced-from-digital' LP's couldn't tell the difference proves that digital is more transparent to the source - and is superior! 

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

The major problem today is the reduction of dynamic range (the Loudness Wars) of new music and re-issues. That is why I prefer early issues of CD's over remasters. LP's with a dynamic range of 10+ db will certainly sound better than CD's 0 to 3db!

hifiguy42
182 posts
 

+1 @asctim 

jonwolfpell
386 posts
 

Asctim-very interesting points you make! I looked at this subject that way! Similar things could be said about digital vs film photography.  Thanks for the enlightenment.

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