Can you imagine a world without vinyl?


Can you imagine a world without vinyl?
I have been into vinyl for 49 years - since the age of 8 & cannot imagine a world without vinyl.
I started out buying 45's & graduated to 33's (what is now considered LP's).
I have seen 8 tracks come & go, still have a kazillion cassettes, reel to reel & digital cassettes - have both the best redbook player & SACD players available, but must listen to my "LP's" at least 2 hours a day.
I play CD's about 6 hours a day as background music while I'm working, but must get off my butt every now & then & "just listen to real music".
I admit to being a vinyl junkie - wih 7 turntables, 11 cartridges & 8 arms along with 35K albums & 15K 45's.
For all you guys who ask - Is vinyl worth it - the answer is yes!
Just play any CD, cassette, or digital tape with the same version on vinyl & see/hear for yourself.
May take more time & energy (care) to play, but worth it's weight in gold.
Like Mikey says "Try it, you'll like it!"
I love it!
paladin
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.
Newbee
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.

My response was mostly at Eldartford who has attacked LP format almost since the day he arrived at Audiogon. Forgive me if the constant rubbing against my feelings occasionally cause me to cry out. If I were as persistent at visiting digital forums and criticizing everyone's choice, ragging on the flaws of digital and telling everyone it was the wrong way to listen to music, do you think someone might fly back at me with comments?

I think the answer is yes they would. Perhaps I should not defend analog and hide my feelings so those that don't choose it can feel like they have not missed anything.

Thomasheisig
When you say
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.

It sounds as if you agree with me that digital is good but not up to the quality of analog.

As for comments about music, I own 6K records, some CD's and even a few hundred open reel tapes. I even own an iPod. I am a music lover and will avail myself of music any way I can.

Just like dining out, given the choice I will dine at best quality restaurant, (Vinyl) it that's is not available I eat at a midline place (CD). If nothing else is available fast food has to do (iPod).

That does not change the fact that each is a different level of quality. Some people only eat fast food and some all the above.

Analog is superior on my system and of the tens of dozens of professionals I know in the audio business most prefer analog to digital. That may not make it a truth for everyone but it means I'm not unusual in my belief.