Vinyl vs. digital: what am I doing wrong?

How good are you LP pressings? Do you have mostly used stuff, or do you have some new 180/200 gram 45 rpm vinyl? There are lots of bad pressings and poorly cared for vinyl out there. If you haven't tried them yet, get one or two really great LP reissues.

Dave

You should talk to Brooks or Brian Berdan about your setup. I am sure they can help you find the problem. I think that any properly setup TT will sound better than any digital rigs out there.

Get rid of your Shelter and buy a Benz... That's what it took to get my vinyl rig competitive with my digital.

The Shelter was always too bright in my system no matter what I did -- and my Benz cartridges seem to have a more proportionate and natural midrange. The cartridge was the last think I changed out... and the thing that made all the difference.

Your front end should clearly show the advantage of vinyl.

I use the same preamp (different tt,cartridge,tonearm) and a sony scd777es and sony 222 for digital. Our speakers are close, as I use ML ReQuests. Our amps are cut from the same cloth, I use CJ monoblocks.

In almost every case the vinyl is clearly superior. (Some SACDs are superb) Air, separation of instruments, tonal color are more distinct in vinyl. It doesn't take 180 or 200g reissues to show a difference (Although many of them are superb). If you listen to rock, try any Beatles, csny, doors, or Jethro Tull cds to the vinyl. If YOU don't think there is a BIG difference, hell, sell your basis.

This is not only my take but most of the folks that listen to my system. I don't prod or induce a reaction but often get "thats a record" from many.

I am surprised by your findings, that Metronome must be one hell of a redbook player!

Have Fun!