TOTALLY CONFUSED about analog

Pbb, I hear you. However, I just do not understand that you can't find vinyl more musical. My 'amiga' knows nothing about audio and she can tell that my analog rig sounds better. So does another good friend who came for a listen. It was a no brainer decision. Yes, there is impulse noise...but there is also more music. Unfortunately, it should NOT be that way. Digital SHOULD be better. But it's not, at the time.

It is very unfortunate that we humans are like we are. The CD format was lauched well before it should have. VHS ruled over Beta. DVDs over Laser Discs. Now they want MP3-like formats in order to copy protect. Sad, isn't it?

Pbb,

I, at least, know where you are coming from. Sold my vinyl, my Linn, my Koetsu, my Keith Monks, et alia, years ago. Put the money into equipment that was good enough to be highly listenable but not so costly that I wouldn't be willing to turn it over regularly as the medium advanced. That philosophy still obtains and I am currently using a Rega Jupiter 2000 with a trade-up on the horizon in the next six months or so depending on the SACD/DVD-A silliness.

I've not regretted that decision, though I enjoy the occasional vinyl listening session with friends who unanimously think that I've either (1) sold out to technology, (2) suffered hearing loss, or (3) never had the right equipment/had it set up right from the git-go.

That being said, I have long been willing to acknowledge that vinyl has a warmth and liquidity that most CD systems/software lack. Some cynics say it is distortion but no matter, it sounds very nice. It is, however, a slight difference (despite what the vinylphiles say) and getting slighter with each passing month.

The point that I keep trying to make--and I think that you are trying to make--is that surface noise is every bit as valid a variable of determination in the listening experience as evanescent liquidity. The vinylphile says, "How can you give up that luscious sound?" and I reply, "How can you fail to be maddeningly distracted by surface noise?" Both are legitimate viewpoints, neither inherently superior to the other.

My appeal, as always, is for folks to quit preaching and pronouncing at each other and just go have fun.

I'm having a little difficulty undestanding why there are numerous off-subject posts on this thread, especially the diatribes against analog. Audiogon provides a nifty forum for digital for those who are so inclined.

How is this type of post helping Ken get started in analog?? PBB, perhaps you could start the ball rolling???

Forgive me if this post sounds strident, but if one doesn't like analog, why would one spend so much time here? I'm a sailor and don't care much for powerboats, but I don't spend my weekends at the power boat dealership haranguing their customers- I simply go sailing!!

Please, and with all sincerity, could any one of the analog-averse posters fill me in on why you are here and how the analog community is benefitting?

Sincerely
Jim

Good Bishop, I believe I have finally found the answer. Do you get chocolate in your vinyl? Explains a lot.

All Jokes aside, do you have to be a Bishop and a psychotherapist to attain that nice balance of view? I fear I have no chance.

Sincerely, I remain

jimbo3 - *thank* you!!! ;~) perhaps pbb's point to waxcylinder (those cylinders sound *much* better tha 12" vinyl, doncha know?) is: *don't bother* to get into analog. the main argument *against* analog, (which doesen't hold much water for me and my ears) is that analog has more background surface noise. as i said earlier:

"...while i acknowledge surface noise is an issue w/some albums, the overwhelming majority of 'em are emminently musical, w/o surface noise being a distraction, even the *oldies*. and, no edgy digital sound - who cares if the background is perfect, when the main event is irritating? :>) ..."

there is so much *music* on vinyl, it's easy *for me* to hear around the surface noise of all but the poorest-condition records. perhaps it's due to the fact that i've ben spinning viny since i was seven years old, & i'm used to it. mebbe a vinyl *newbie* couldn't cope.

doug s.

btw, an aside to bishopwell: invest in a modified art di/o dac, & get the best you're ever gonna get out of redbook cd w/o taking out another mortgage on your house.