Vinyl sounds better (shots fired)

Be careful of playback systems that cost six figures. On youtube, there is a report of a double-blind listening test where audiophiles heard a phono preamp, cartridge, and a turntable costing $500,000 and a preamp, cartridge, and turntable costing $78. 40% of them thought the $78 system sounded better and had to be the $500,000 system. 

Be skeptical of cables costing $20,000.

There is a SET using 833A triodes selling for $480,000 which can be built wit some better parts from less than $2000 in parts purchased retail. 

Just because the price is undreamed of does not mean it will sound better to you. 

My audio system is set up for vinyl (6,000+ LPs). I do have a decent CD player (400 CDs). I have no streaming. 

I listen to streamed music on my cell phone or computer when I’m not in my audio room. 

Kind of lame since it's totally subjective. Vynil introduces a level of distortion that is pleasing to the ears of many, whereas other people prefer otherwise. Shots fired? Ok. That's like saying country music is better than rap. It's just preference, nothing more. 

Except for the pops and clicks and getting up every 20 minutes. 

LOL!  I have been a dedicated digital person for years, although I have my vinyl collection from the '70's.  When I tried out a preamp with a phono preamp built in (VAC Renaissance V), I figured that I would check out my vinyl.  Now during the '70's, I had a good turntable (a Thorens) and cartridge, and cleaned my albums each use with a DiscWasher, so that they were well cared for.  Honestly, I found the vinyl to be a PITA.  There were crackles and pops and surface noise.  I had to get up every 20 minutes.  I then had to figure out what side I would play next.  Now, admittedly, my current turntable is on the lower end of the scale, but I found that digital sounded at least as good, was significantly more convenient, no extraneous noise, and Roon would curate new music without me having to get up.  So for me, vinyl is not worth the hassle, and a good digital solution is the way to go.

@grislybutter 

@atmasphere 

Gris, love the chart. Perfect.

atmasphere, love your input.