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Pros and Cons of "Staying with" Analog and Vinyl

After having various turntables over the last 40 years, I am seriously considering getting out of analog. The "vinylists" argue that analog playback sounds more natural, musical, and provides more of an emotional response. I have experienced this feeling several times while listening to my modest vinyl collection, and tend to agree....until I begin hearing pops, clicks, surface noise. I keep my vinyl generally clean and protected

However, after listening to the 40th anniversay edition of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" I am more convinced that analog is just not worth the time, money and, maintenance. The dynamics on new Aqualung are superb and there seems to be much more detail to what I remember of the Mobile Fidelity remastered recording

I have a modest analog set-up Rega P3-24 with their upgraded PS and the Dynavector 10X5 MC. I was on the verge of upgrading to the new Rega RP-6 which includes a newly design PS, and a choice of color plinths. Even with a generous trade-in value offered by the dealer, I would still be putting in about $1300 + which would get me into the Dynavector DV 20MKII ( above their 10X5.)

I personally don't see the value regardless of the sonic qualitative edge of analog. Maybe, the money could be spent elsewhere or not at all. BTW, I am not getting into computer audio, and am STILL not convinced that a BASIC DAC will bring me closer to analog sound quality. Members have recommended Peachtree's DACIT, and even the supposedly new and improved Musical Fidelity V-DAC II. I have a Rega Apollo player. A great sounding player, but it has its flaws.

Therefore, I would like to hear the pros and cons of staying with analog....or just dumping it. Thanks
sunnyjim
david12
1,454 posts
 
I agree with Viridian, the problem for me is availabilty. If you have a niche interest, where some of the great recordings may never have reached digital. Jazz I suppose , is the example that springs to mind.

For Me, it is Opera. Some of the great 50's to 70's recordings, never reached CD. The other thing to consider is cost. The great Jazz recordings can be expensive. You can pick up Opera vinyl very cheap. I bought Puccini's, the gear from the Golden West with Domingo, for £3 recently, unplayed and that is a Penguin stereo guide top, Rosette, performance. What more could you ask for?
chayro
3,009 posts
 
The most important thing you said was the YOU do not see (hear) the value of analog. In that case, dump it. That said, I really think that too many audiophiles obsess too much over their analog and it begins to be a source of stress rather than a pleasure. Why? Once the turntable is properly set up, which is no big deal with a Rega, just clean the record when you get it, clean the stylus with a bit of LP#9 and play. That's all that need be done for a few years, when you have to replace the cartridge, which admittedly can be pricey. The problem is that too many people (and I've met a few) constantly live in apprehension that the tt is not ajusted perfectly and feel they have to screw around with it on a regular basis. You see posts like that here all the time - Oooh, I hear some inner-groove distortion; oooh, I hear a noise when I do this... I have yet to find a record that is absolutely perfect from beginning to end. Most will have a noise somewhere on it. It doesn't bother me as long as it is brief in duration. But, as I first stated, if you are not getting pleasure out of it, let it go.
playpen
161 posts
 
I am happy with both mediums.I have vinyl days and digital days listening.I recently got a mint original Zodiac Cosmic sounds Lp which is not out on CD,one reason I will never part with my TT.I am also not happy with 40-50 year old digital releases compared to my vinyl original first presses or promo's for the most part.I will keep both.I also find better extended high end and bass with a good piece of vinyl.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I have met fishermen who only flyfish and tie their own flies.

Anyone spend time out on the water? Would you rather spend an afternoon
on a sailboat or on a motor boat? And if the answer is a sailboat, the
question becomes wood or plastic?
rotarius
431 posts
 
My experience is similar to David12, some of the best classical records I picked up cost me $1 at the record store and they were mint or unplayed. Why not pick them up? Yes, a lot of older classical recordings that were transfered to CD sound harsh but the new releases sound great so I do both analog and digital. Just recently, I compared a few albums I have on SACD and vinyl and in each case, the SACD sounded as good as or just slightly better than the record. So, hi rez digital will be my first preference going forward.
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