2. analog
  3. 194290-5063

How much do I need to spend to make vinyl sound better than digital?

All,

I have a solid vinyl setup that I like to think of as entry-level “plus:” Project Debut Pro with Sumiko Moonstone cartridge.  I enjoy vinyl for the ritual but find that my digital gear - a $400 ifi streamer and the AKM DAC built into my Anthem preamp - beats the analog rig in most ways.  Far better imaging/soundstage and much tighter bass without the occasional distortion/sibilance/warbling of the vinyl rig.  I haven’t messed with cartridge setup other than to check the factory-performed alignment, which looks perfect.  The table is perfectly balanced, counterweight set correctly with an electronic scale, etc - so I have no reason to think there’s a setup problem.  
 

Is this par for the course for this level of vinyl gear?  What do I need to spend to get my vinyl gear to match the performance of decent digital?  I’m thinking of upgrading to a Clearaudio Concept, perhaps with a Hana SL cartridge, but I want to make sure doing that is going to deliver a fundamentally different experience than what I have right now with the Project/Sumiko combination.

 

No interest in flame wars or rehashing the vinyl/digital debate.  I know vinyl can sound wonderful and am simply trying to decide whether I can afford the price of entry for a system that can gets the basics right (no audible distortion/sibilance, decent imaging).  I thought the Project/Sumiko would have gotten me there, but for whatever reason it hasn’t fit the bill.Thanks for any insights. 

lousyreeds1
inagroove
181 posts
 

+1 Hana SL - at $1.2k, it is a good value and leaves plenty for the TT and PP ;-)

au_lait
371 posts
 

$0.00

The switch is in your mind.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,394 posts
 

I have two good sacd player the Marantz Ruby and the SA10. I have 2 analog set up. SME 10 tt and Icon tube phono pre. PS3 mark 2.And the other one is VPi prime scout tt with Sutherland 20/20 LPS upgrade.To be honest i enjoyed all of them. But if I have time to really sit and listen? I prefer my vynil set up.Also on rock I played mostly digital. Jazz and classical I go vynil.I believe my digital is not that far from my analog.SACD can be so close to analog.

mark200mph
436 posts
 

So much knowledge here ,what value, I'm still working on my streaming and getting the turntables set up.so much to learn so do your research go listen prior to spending the 401k.enjoy the search.

joeycastillo
62 posts
 

to the OP.

i think that your analog rig is below par as compared to your digital front end. I was in the same boat as you a few years ago and now, i beleive that my analog is on par with my digital. Just one advise first... your source vinyl plays an important role. it has to be a very good cut. 
i woulld look at the Rega P3 tables or Technics Sl1200 series, 

then if you like a get up and go cartridge, then look at the Dynavector line or if you like a smooth but transparent cartridege, then Hana is what i would research into

as for the Phono preamp. look into Parasound Jc Jr model. .

your preamp has a very good DAC and streaming technology is very very good nowadays.I guess under 5K should get your analog gear on par with your Digital

 

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