My Analog Journey - Opinions Sought
When I first started out in this hobby 10 years ago, my first source was a Bluesound Node 2. Eventually I upgraded to a Lumin T2 which was a nice step up in sound quality and I’ve been happy with it ever since.
Around 2021 or so I decided I want to explore the analog side of things. With the guidance of this forum, I settled on a Technics SL1210GR, AudioTechnica VM760SLC cart, and a Herron VTPH1 phono stage.
Somewhere along the line I decided that I preferred the convenience of streaming and there my turntable sat. Collecting dust as they say.
Fast forward to two weeks ago. I decided that maybe it was time to start letting some of this gear go that I’m not using. The Herron was first up on the chopping block, but something told me I better turn this thing on and make sure it still works.
So, I hooked everything up. Dropped on Everybody Digs Bill Evans, a recording with which I’m well familiar. Well, I almost cried at how good it sounded. <Insert all the flowery audiophile language here>. The background was blacker. The tone richer, more air and separation around the instruments within the soundstage, and the imaging is more precise.
The difference between my digital and analog rig could not be more apparent. I heard someone say on this forum that you need to spend much more on digital to obtain the same results as analog; or maybe it was the other way around?
I am absolutely hooked on vinyl right now and don’t see myself turning back. Although I do see myself looking into MC carts in the not so distance future.
Thanks to everyone on this forum that shares their knowledge so freely. Comments welcome on future upgrades or anything else.....
Cheers,
Joe
Funny how streaming fans like to hang around here. Perhaps they think they are missing something... I have to add the obvious comment: there are recordings so good that they stand out almost whatever you play them on. But if you know that recording well from streaming it and it is that much better on a relatively simple vinyl rig, you are entitled to draw your conclusions. |
@tomic601 +1 on the Hana ML. For the money, I think it's a great cartridge.
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I'm an old guy who grew up on vinyl, CD, and reel-to-reel. I've been streaming my music exclusively for about the past four years or so. Whenever I attend audio shows or visit my local audio shops and they play vinyl or CD, of course, it all sounds just wonderful. Still, when I'm at the shows or audio shops, I just smile at the thought that, I managed to put together such an incredible sounding streaming only audio system, that's so very satisfying to me, I still have no desire to return to either vinyl or CD. But, that's just me. The world of high end audio includes vinyl, CD, streaming, reel-to-reel, etc., or whatever tickles your fancy. It's a wonderful world!!! Happy listening. |
