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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
apbiii
39 posts
 
I suspect one's preference may be influenced by the system they have. On a well setup high end system vinyl seems to be quite a bit better to my ears.

Some sort of record cleaning machine should probably be part of the system.

As for the pops etc. do you freak out at a concert if someone makes a sound? You do listen to live music don't you? If not, perhaps that is part of the problem.

The lossless codecs are better but IMO not equal to vinyl even at 96k. I think the latest vinyl is also a cut above the older stuff.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"As for the pops etc. do you freak out at a concert if someone makes a sound? You do listen to live music don't you? If not, perhaps that is part of the problem.

Do you, or would you freak out if you heard pops from your amp, preamp, speakers or cd player? Or maybe there are good pops and bad pops.
duaneadam
36 posts
 
I can only listen to so much "old music" so I have a digital collection.

I can only listen to so much "new music" so I have a vinyl collection.

Both have benefits, both can sound good in their own way, so why not have both?
kevvwill
70 posts
 
Chayro hits the nail on the head with a very insightful comment. This stuff is about music, in whatever form it takes. In the microscopic world of vinyl playback, everything is important, and nothing is.

There is always noise with music. Digital has its own sonic artifacts that can be as detrimental to the listening experience as tics and pops on an LP. Some hear them, some don't.

I always wonder if, as one of those weirdos who could hear a TV picture tube's high-pitched hum when it was on (back in days when there were picture tubes), a particular sensitivity makes digital more or less noisy for some. Who knows? Interesting question, though.

At any rate, have fun with this hobby, don't worry too much, and keep your toes tapping.
gmardinly's avatar
gmardinly
6 posts
 
As we all know, the key to vinyl is clean, clean, clean. Largely then, with good quality vinyl, the ticks are de minimus. if, non-existent.

A bit of work-but then the sound is much better than digital.
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