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How Good Can Digital Get?

I've read these threads on the EMM, Exemplar, DV-50, etc. with interest. Last year the "best" digital was the AA Cap II or Wadia/GNSC or MF Trivista or SCD-1 Modified Kern, or whatever. Now we've got a whole new crop of contenders.
You don't see debates like this in any other forum -- standard setting speakers or amps or turntables do not pop up every few months.

This suggests to me that (a) digital audio, like computer processors, is a rapidly moving techonology in which it's possible to make significant advancements quickly and successively; and (b) digital audio still leaves a lot to be desired (when compared to analogue).

What I wonder is will digital ever (really) get as good (or even better) than vinyl? My last comparison was my Audio Aero Cap 2 against a VPI Scout and the turntable truly did "trounce" the cd player. It was a difference in kind, not degree. Given that redbook CD is just a sample of the analogue wave form I have trouble understanding how it can ever sound as fluid, natural, and, well, musical as a properly matched and calibrated table, arm and cartridge.

That said, I have not heard the EMM or Exemplar gear. Am I missing something?
bsal
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
Newbee, you've got to change your moniker! A most insightful post, indeed!

Yes, vinyl has a magical quality that redbook CD's cannot match. As you pointed out, analog does have many warts. Most nights, I just want to plop down, and listen for 40 to 70 minutes of uninterrupted music. Preparing vinyl "for a spin" can seem like some type of "mating ritual". There are also some concept albums (Pink Floyd and Roger Waters come to mind) that flow better as a complete work, avoiding the lengthy side A to B vinyl flip-over. Furthermore, buying used CD's is a snap...just look at the disc's surface. Used vinyl that looks good may actually be ruined and unlistenable.

I will say that bowed violins and violas never sound quite right on my CD player (Accuphase DP-75V). But then again, I've heard strings sound scratchy on vinyl as well.

Some of the remasters, imports, and DCC CD's are sonic light years ahead of the original 1980's pressings!
reb1208
518 posts
 
I think your on a roll Newbee. Not so "new" in your advice. Keep it commin'.
gregadd
574 posts
 
Harry Pearson, former publisher of the absolute sound claims we lost a whole generation of music to digital. Digital suffers from a problem vinyl never did. You can make the best record you like and it will still be compatible. A small company like Sheffield(Doug Sax) revolutionized record production with no compatibility problem. Digital mandated a standard that was inherently inferior. Every major advance requires a new standrd. That means dragging manufacturers, artists and consumers into a new standard. Very expensive.
speedfreak
11 posts
 
Actually, I think that the sound of digital gear is getting worse and worse. I think that the top of the line designs from 5 years ago sound better then the best of the best today. I heard some really awesome players from Goldmund and Metronome a few years back that sounded extremely musical and analogue like. The best of todays players are really kind of sterile sounding.
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
As one who is strictly analog based I can say in no uncertain terms that I have gained a great deal of respect for digital of late. The EMM Labs gear is truely breathtaking. Too bad it's so far out of my reach. In the end though, whichever medium you use, it comes down to what is on the disk and, considering that aspect, digital has come light years in the last decade.
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