2. analog
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When does analog compete with digital?

With vinyl becoming all the rage, many believe (perhaps mistakenly) that a budget of $1K will allow them to bring their analog front end up to par with their digital. I would like a reasoned assessment of this issue.

How much time, money, and expertise do you think is necessary before one can seriously claim that their analog front end can compete with their digital? What characteristics, if any, are simply incommensurable between these two mediums? Let's use my system as an example.

Personally, I tried to build an analog front-end that focused on texture/warmth (as opposed to dynamics), but I still feel as though something is missing. Trouble is, I can't quite put my finger on it. I'd be grateful for comments/suggestions (system in sig)
jferreir
timeltel
830 posts
 
Young people stand and just stare at my ancient rig with it's Christmas tree lights and spastic analog meters. "You mean all that sound comes out of THAT"? All '70's stuff, Pio. SX-1980, Tech. SP-15 TT/EPA-250 TA, SP-25/Infinity Black Widow backup TT. After a brief flirt with mo-dern MC carts., a venerable Grace F9-E and a $45.00 NOS Acutex cartridge are now favorites. $3500, cost of a new car then or currently obtainable for the equivilent of the same old "beater" now. Experienced others laugh about the antique gear until they listen, for 30 years my musically induced smile has been the Chesshire Cat-like same. A modest Rega Saturn CDP gathers dust, digital is for the ride where on a twisty road I don't really care if my music is reconstructed in teeny little irritating bits.

If cost is your concern, I suggest you'll find good value in vintage equipment.

Peace.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
2K is the bottom line for analog to compete with digital. While there are many ways to get there; you will end up spending 2K or more.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>07-26-10: Orpheus10
2K is the bottom line for analog to compete with digital<<

Disagree.

A pre-owned Music Hall MMF-7 and a pre-owned Graham Slee Era Gold Mark V will cost about $1000 for the pair.

The combo will startle even the most dubious.

IMO

I have no financial interest in either product.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
audiofeil, there is much ambiguity in all statements regarding this. I am comparing my bonified class "A" digital to analog. It was not until I had spent 2K, not counting cartridge, that I had 3D sound that exceeded the digital. I accomplished this through numerous tweeks including changing the tonearm wire. Total cost was 2K.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
theron_day, after reading what you got, I know what it sounds like, and that is what I'm talking about.
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