CD's or Vinyl?

@markley “Reel to reel sounds great-“

Unfortunately it has always been the most expensive music medium, but you can’t knock it. For home use it can be as good as it gets.

For me, this rings true as most of the music l collect on vinyl and CD comes from original film soundtracks from 15 or 7 1/2 ips studio masters.

There is just something there, hard to explain with archival master tapes that have been carefully stored. Even commercial 1/4” tapes from the 60s and 70s on 7 1/2 ips 4 track, and pre Dolby can surprise.

It’s always a good sound idea, if affordable, to not limit yourself to just one format.

@niodari 

Interesting hearing points.

I think you nailed it with your valid answer as asked for by the OP. You have put in perspective what the original question was all about, but have clouded the water so to speak.

Your quote…“It’s true that a few very well recorded LPs may sound more realistic than the corresponding CDs” Very useful information for those on the fence.

From my perspective, it doesn’t bother me having to change sides every 20 minutes. What is most important is the sound quality, not an inconvenience.

lf anyone owns a lot of really well recorded LPs, and are not bothered by the inconvenience of 20 minute turnovers…. then analogue, with it’s potential (as mentioned above) “can sound more realistic”, is arguably the winner over digital

@niodari “If the cracks, dust cleaning and demagnetizing does not bother you….”

All the above don’t bother me. As regards to the demagnetising, l never do that, never had a problem with static at all. I use new plastic liners on all new records if they have paper or cardboard inners. I would estimate that half of the LPs are 40-60 years old as l specialise in a certain genre and type of music. Most have not altered at all in this time playback wise.
 

Too much worrying about a little bit of noise seams to be an all time consuming nonsense for some people. The music itself drags me away from any of that. I compare it with driving. Do you look at the windscreen and any dirt or blemishes on it continually when you drive? Or do you view ahead and look through the windscreen and focus towards the business end…at the traffic ahead of you?. There is no difference in my view with playing and enjoying music.

The secret for me is not accepting a poor pressing, return it. I only ever consider keeping a less than perfect copy unless it is collectable or rare. Live with the imperfections.
 

My type of music l have is spread between LP, Reel to Reel, CD, SACD or DvdA. I never bother to stream but I’ll take whatever physical medium is available for the music l want. LP or CD are the two main contenders, but l find that LP reproduces the more emotional end product.

CDs normally fill the gaps for me when l can’t source a reasonably priced LP, or the music has never been released on LP.

@billpete Love your comments. Keep up the education. Never sell those albums.

@niodari ”When l miss analogue… l prefer to use a (cassette) tape deck”

An interesting subject and your  comments should not be overlooked.

l did not include a cassette deck in my choices as l do not own many pre-recorded tapes. l also agree with its potential as a source of enjoyment if you purchased a lot of pre-recorded music. Cassettes in the 80s actually took over market share from LPs. It would be a shame to loose that tactile memory of youth and all the memories that can add so much to the music.

l have a couple of Tandberg cassette recorders. The TCD330 was a 3 head and the best l could afford in the 80s, which was a golden era in the format. The best it got for most brands before CD broke through. The 330 had the facility to set the tape head azymuth. A signal was generated, recorded and played back simultaneously so that adjustments could be made to optimise each tape before recording. 
 

One thing l did notice was that some pre-recorded cassettes were not up to “scratch” so to speak. I believe cassettes were recorded at high speed to increase productivity, so sonically there was some loss in sound quality. I remember a friend of mine wanted a better recording of the “Live and Let Die” soundtrack as the cassette sounded “dull”  I covered the anti recording slots and recorded from LP over the original programme. It was noticeably better.

I used my cassette recorders for compilations, live radio shows and one off TV programmes. Cassette had its day and was a very useful convenient medium that was capable of realistic playback, and for a relatively small cost. The nostalgic qualities it triggers should you have sufficient recorded material can not be ignored.

Do one word answers count unless they are, yes or no?

Yes they do

No they don’t

Yes they do

No they don’t 

@niodari 

It sounds like the Pioneer problems with wind and rewind are slipping belts. If this is the case l suggest some research on eBay. There are lots of compatible parts for cassette players, CD and DVD players that incorporate some belts. Your deck may even be listed with a full service set.
Tandberg cassette decks always had separate motors directly driving those functions which also resulted in rapid forward and reverse times. These motors cleverly slowed down near the ends of the spools to avoid snatching. If the Pioneer did this (like Tandberg) it may be some sensor problems. So get the cover off and have a look, new belts would be an easy fix

@zx10 “Gave up vinyl 40 years ago”

With regard to claiming “l cannot imagine a record player” sounding comparable to a SACD on a high end player. Maybe it does or maybe it doesn’t, and you admit you don’t really know. I can only assume you are thinking of 40 years ago?

One thing l do know is that phono amps have advanced technically a long way in 40 years. Most record decks back then (and a high probability yours) in general, were matched with amplifiers having variable quality onboard MM and MC inputs. Modern high quality phono amps are a stand alone different breed, designed just for that one purpose.

@zx10 

Ref. Your reply directly to me.

Thank you for the personal message. Sorry to say that I could not reply directly to you as l do not have an authorised account to do so. I don’t give my phone number out or share my financial details for payment methods with any forums, or other organisations unless it’s absolutely essential. I can’t see the need for that…. A bit like “big brother” antics. That probably explains why l do not receive unwanted calls and scams.

Interesting to see what you said and l appreciate the information, and your personal choices in equipment feedback.