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Why does Computers - Amp - Speakers sound better?

I have a budget system. Denon turntable, Shure cartridge, NAD integrated amp, and Wharfedale speakers. For some reason, computer -> amp -> speakers sounds SO MUCH BETTER than turntable/cartridge -> amp -> speakers, even when the source file on the computer is 256 kbps mp3.

I don't know why this is. It would make sense if my amp and speakers were leagues above my turntable or if the source file was in 320 or FLAC, but that's not the case. 256 kbps should not sound better than high quality vinyl of music from the past five years (i.e. not mastered from bad tapes).

Is my turntable or my cartridge (or both) inferior to my other equipment? Also, I'm using Monoprice cables for my computer ---> amp and off-brand cables for turntable ---> amp. Could that be why?

thank you. The reason why this bothers me is because I spent over 1000$ on my vinyl (not just for the better sound, but because I'm deeply involved with the new-wave punk scene) and $400 on my turntable/cartridge and it bothers me that a low-quality file produces better sound.
toxicwaterfront
ohnofiasco
49 posts
 
The description of a veil being lifted sounds a little bit like it could be a VTA too low issue, but it equally could also be the cartridge or the phono pre. Is the sound muddy and lacking in resolution in the highs?
westborn
156 posts
 
Part of the effect is the improvement achieved with near field listening, which has certain advantages - focus of the speaker (and short distance to the ear) and a directivity of sound that eliminates several 'room' and 'extraneous noise' issues. Some car audio 'sounds' subjectively great because of the enclosed nature (within the car) of the speakers and the more direct interface with your ears. I've even noticed a somewhat similar positive effect with some ceiling speakers - in quiet coffee houses for example. Some of it too is that our 'listening expectations' are low, and it is a pleasant surprise when clear (low noise computer/internet radio)sound is produced in a public environment; the WAY we listen is different than the way we listen to a dedicated stereo. It is very easy to pursue a 'perfect' sound, actually achieve it (or get pretty darn close), only to find that it's not as enjoyable because so much time/money/expectation is involved to hear that perfect performance. Then its time to 'downsize' or 'simplify'. And then we get to start all over again. :-D
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,629 posts
 
In any particular case, either turntable or digital might sound better. It all depends on how well each is set up to meet the needs of the listener.

In general, it is harder (and probably more costly in general these days) to achieve a quality turntable system than CD/digital. There are a lot more variables to consider and more technical know how involved to get a turntable system set up and tuned properly in general than CD/digital.

I'm guessing these days $2000 or so is probably the minimum amount one might expect to have to invest in a good quality vinyl rig (table, cart and phono pre-amp combined) to even have a chance out of the gate of matching or exceeding even a decent digital setup that might be done for less than half the cost perhaps. I'm sure others have experiences here that might help refine these estimates.

You have to start with the cartridge. All the rest is supplemental to allow the cartridge to work optimally. My experience is the Denon DL103R cartridge is a good place to start to have a chance for minimal cost but care must be taken to match it to a good quality table with medium to high mass tonearm and a decent phono stage that can work well with a low output MC cart like the DL103R.

FWIW, I use the DL103R, a vintage Linn Axis table, a Electrocompaniet step up phono pre-amp, and an ARC sp11 pre-amp with phono stage. Substitute a decent outboard phono pre-amp for the ARC pre-amp with integrated phono stage for use with a basic pre-amp minus phono stage and the cost probably comes in just under $2000 used. I can assure that the results are top notch for very reasonable cost assuming all gear is in good working order and set up correctly.
realremo
460 posts
 
regarding cost of the digital front end, I have about $900 in mine, *not including the laptop.* I still plan to buy an upgraded USB/SPDIF converter within the next 3-4 months, that will bring it up to about $1300-$1500.
I actually did do a comparison, vinyl/digital, in my system, a friend brought over his budget turntable and we had a shoot out. He didn't like my Halo P3's phono stage, so we ran his single-ended outputs into the direct inputs on my pre. The vinyl front end was very enjoyable, considering the cost difference! We put his vinyl 'obscured by clouds' up against my recent digital re-master of the same album, and I really didn't prefer one or the other. But convenience won over eventually, we got tired of flipping plastic discs, and started picking music on the iPad...
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