HD Down Load compared to Analog.

Zd542, if for a moment we can just drop "Stereophile" out of this equation, and designate a particular level of "sonic" quality as class "A", all will become clear. This is something I've only heard at high end emporiums. Once was with all top of the line ARC electronics, and top of the line Thiel speakers, plus room treatment. The sound was visible in the air, you could point to many different spaces where sound emanated from. That was Class "A" sound, and any way you can get it sounds good to me. Class "B" or "B+" is very, very good, if someone thinks it's Class "A", who am I to argue. I have "holographic" sound in my listening "spot", I won't say "room", but from where I sit there's "holographic sound", the speakers are nonexistent. I assume most hardworking audiophile's have the same thing.

When you enjoy your music playing on your system, what difference does Class make?

Enjoy the music.

As a user of both hi Res downloads and what would be considered an A rated analog set up, my opinion is that all the absolutes have completely broken down. One can longer say that one format is superior, only that one particular pressing or digital transfer of a specific recording may be better than another. If a digital transfer (or LP) was done from a true mixed master, while the other format was done from an EQ or protection master, then the better source/mastering will probably win. There are plenty of HD downloads and SACD that don't have anything above 22khz when the file is checked on a spectrum analysis. There are plenty of hi res digital cuts that are spectacular.

I will preface this all by saying that digital playback is cheaper than analog, as there is no getting around the physics required to make a first class analog rig.

Then there is also the intangible part of the listening experience. Even though a digital file may have better audiophile characteristics when broken down categorically, there is a certain listen ability and enjoyment when listening to LP's on a top rig. MY point is the digital file can sound better on the audio check marks, but the right LP can create an experience that goes beyond the sporting aspect of hearing instruments portrayed accurately.

Case in point is how good music can sound on a car stereo. My theory is that since itS running off a battery the lack of AC grunge allows it to penetrate the hearing system. I heard the same effect With the battery operated Veloce gear at two different shows.

Would anyone say that the ordinary car stereo is amazing audio wise, no but there is A rightness that makes it enjoyable.

Another factor some people have spoken of is that the LP's precondition the signal for better compatibility with speakers. I can't say I completely understand it, but it is something spoken of. perhaps a more limited dynamic range is helping?

One last thing from the recording world that may shed some insight. All the very top rock recording sessions, the ones done digitally, all have the drums recorded to 24 tracks analog, and that is mixed down to a few digital stems which is taken into the the Protools sessions. Modern recording wisdom says that the dynamics of drums are better recorded analog, then digitized.

I can not recommend HD Downloads for anyone who is not a computer "Geek", or doesn't know one. Something went wrong with my HD Downloads, and I was about to go crazy, when I decided to call my "Geek". He said the computer had to be reset. I have no idea why that only affected the HD Downloads. My "Geek" doesn't talk much, I still don't know what was wrong, but he fixed it. If you're not a "Geek", and can't call one, stay away from HD Downloads.

In regard to what I've downloaded, I'm still going "Ga Ga" over the results. That intangible quality that evokes an emotional response to music, is called "soul" by some, and "geist" or spirit by others. It's the life force in the music. I've heard CD's that were totally stripped of that quality, even though they were of the same music. These HD Downloads are 100% intact, and are no different than Class "A" analog. Since my mind will not accept digital amplification, I can understand your inability to accept HD Downloads. Maybe our problems are the same, I've never heard a digital amp, have you heard HD Downloads?

I'll try to address some questions you have. My Download of the MJQ reflects that groups recording quality. While Santana was recorded earlier, it's a much better recording in regard to sonics. That's a variable you will have to determine on a case by case basis. In each case, there is no deviation from the LP. If there was a flaw in the original LP, it will be worse on the Download.

When you're in a high end emporium and hear the difference between Class "A" and Class "B", you will notice that it's a little better, however when you hear the price difference of the components, unless you're rich, you will be quite content to live with Class "B". Class "B" is not inferior as much as it is cheaper. Class "B" is very very good. Whatever you have, if you think it's Class "A", that works for me.

Enjoy the music.

Smatsui, as an "audiophile" it's understood that you have to do your homework in regard to putting a system together. Forget about "Stereophile" altogether, and you still have to have a very expensive analog system to get sound better than a HD Download. Since only the most special LP's will be downloaded, I will continue to enjoy my analog rig very much, but I have no illusions in regard to HD sounding better than "My" rig.

Enjoy the music.

I think it is easy to get caught up into the x format or source is the best, especially after the time, effort, and money that can be expended to be somewhat satisfied in the final results. I have been enjoying vinyl for about 50 years and have an excellent rig with great table/arm cartridge synergy, but maybe 10% of the pressings I have sound really good. First pressings seem to have a higher percentage of falling into this category. Audiophile remasters seem to be consistently mediocre. I have high res files that sound great and some that are mediocre, even redbook cds that are very good. 15 ips reel to reel masters are consistently the best if you can find them and have the cash to lay out. Even live events are very inconsistent. Hall acoustics, right seat, have good tech rehearsals been performed for the venue, Is the guy on the board setup backstage and asleep at the wheel, (pretty common for rock performances). The point for me is to build the versatility and synergy into my system to take advantage of the gem recordings available, in whatever format they may be. I don't find the format to be the determining factor in my ultimate enjoyment of the music, with the possible exception of a good reel to reel recording. I want to be able to take advantage of all of it.