Can you imagine a world without vinyl?

Shadorne notes:

If Vinyl was so much better than other mediums then can someone expain why it has never been used as the reference storage medium for the audio industry. I mean why did the recording industry use analog master tapes and now digital masters if Vinyl was the ultimate

Tsk, tsk, Shadorne. You know why (among other reasons):
a) Tape is 1st generation; vinyl comes after.
b) Tapes offer much more storage space for music
c) Vinyl is hardly "ultimate" -- it's just relatively better. For example, live FM broadcast (good quality) sounds exceptional. For that matter, tapes sound excellent (but can you find pre-recorded R-R tapes?)

Nostalgic?
Hardly so in very many cases: many audiophiles AND music lovers used to be annoyed at the vagaries of vinyl playback in the old times -- myself included. And many, I'm sure, looked forward to the "new" medium... whether they admit it or not.

Looks apart (many TTs look beautiful fm an "engineering aesthetics" point of view), and hobbyism apart,
-- you need TWO pick up cartridge life cycles to match the life cycle of ONE laser pick-up if you;re lucky;
-- you have to set up the TT (but that's not rocket science)
-- you need a good tone-arm: this means inexpensive in the beginning or VERY expensive thereafter (OK, you can buy vintage)
-- Worse of all -- as Raul noted recently: you need a phono equaliser. These components are probably the most miserable sounding devices to hit the dealer shelves...

It may be masochism or something else, or both. But, really, believe me, this ain't no nostalgia:)

Its called consistency.. Vinyl in general can perform above many of the digital recorded counterparts.. Although there is great digital too. But for whatever reason analog done right is just flat out impressive, and people recognize it easier than with the same CD they have heard on 20 different systems.

As for accuracy and efficiency digital gets it done, but that does not make it more pleasing or musical.

I mean you could argue exacly the same with Tubes and Solid state.. and many musicians are still not giving up the marshall tube stacks, so what is wrong with the guys making the music? Same thing that is wrong with vinylphiles, its not nostalgia its preference. So you go figure it out, Ipod is not the answer to everything is the moral of the story.

Albertporter,

Upon reflection do you think that your 'over the top' self defense, even in the face of comments by others which are judgmental of your preferred format, might just generate in others with less experience or security a feeling that you are denegrating their choices.

Your last post, for me at least, raises the issue of some of the same arrogance you decry when you announce how necessary it is (for others) to hear a (perfect) vinyl record to connect emotionally to the music being played.

I think many folks make an emotional connection with the music totally unconnected with the format of delivery. In fact, I will say that if someone cannot connect with music without dependency on the choice of format they have my sympathy!

We should all learn to be more sensitive to the many different approaches and needs of folks involved in this hobby.

Before you fire one back at me, remember that only your friends tell you when you have bad breath. Right now I know that I do! :-)

Gregm,

It may be masochism or something else, or both. But, really, believe me, this ain't no nostalgia:)

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Nostalgia is for the Vinyl jackets themselves and the length of time they have been owned and when/where they were purchased. Or reminiscing when playing a song (which can be Vinyl, CD, Radio or whatever)

If I understood correctly, I think what you are describing is a ritualistic behaviour and aesthetic fascination of the beauty and elegance of TT/Vinyl. An engineering marvel that outwardely manifests its beauty rather than technology deeply burried/hidden on a sliver disc and inside circuit boards and software alogorithms (as in CD & Digital).

I can understand that. Music is Art. A beautiful TT is art too.

Come on, Albert is one of those who listen and he has his opinion. Other's think different or they link it with spending money. When I started in this "Hobby" I had nothing, no records, no CD's. I compared and I decided to go for Vinyl. Those who listen ---> use Vinyl, those who read datas listen ----> to Digits. This has been a fact 15 years ago, it is the same now and it will be the next 15 years. Unfortunately it is true, a good analog System is really expensive, no way out. But the satisfaction is worth it. Since I use my AirLine Arm I have problems to believe what's in the groove. Really amazing.
I own DCS Equipment and I like it, but honestly, the Software is sooooo bad, it is frustrating. For my limited listening time it is a waste.