2. misc-audio
  3. 1075065762

Dilemma: LP or SACD? Try analog only to give up?

I have just received all of my grandfathers LPs, somewhere around 200 of them seemingly in good shape. Mostly music from the 50s and 60s. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try out analog; I would even buy a few current offerings to see how they compared. I got excited about learning about turntables. It's a very interesting area full of mechanics and industrial design. I asked around about and demo'ed several turntables and I've kind of honed in on the VPI Aries Scout. Not the cheapest but it gives me a good taste of higher-end analog and I really like the design of it.

But then I got to thinking: there is the expense of the turntable, arm and cartridges. Then there is the expense of a phono preamp which I again would want something decent. The EAR 834P kept popping up as an option. Plus the cost of a few other accessories. And the clutter of more stuff in my headphone system (where the TT would reside for now).

And what if analog is a bust for me? I might get lazy with the extra effort it requires. I might prefer my CD system instead. Who knows. Then I would need to sell everything too.

Finally, in the back of my mind I've been watching the number of SACD releases increasing. I tried it out last year, then gave it up for the time being, lack of software being the chief reason plus having to decide whether to buy the SACD/hybrid or redbook version of a CD. But software seems to be increasing so maybe I'm interested again. I could put the money I would invest in an analog system towards an SACD player (and use a DAC I already have for redbook playback).

Anyone want to offer up thoughts to discuss this matter? Also, did any of you try out analog only to go bust with it (if so, why)? Do I have realistic observations about SACD software or am I just dreaming? Will I kick myself for not trying out analog in my own system? Plus, we're on the cusp of digital audio though i don't consider that a "hi-rez" format.

Thanks.
budrew

Showing 1 response by loontoon

loontoon
301 posts
 
Considering only the stereo aspect of SACD, vs Analogue, it's no contest, except on 1 SACD. Alot of the quality of SACD is in the disc, and who mixed it. Sound familiar???

With a lot of SACD I am highly underwhelmed.

On vinyl if you have em, invest in a decent rig, if not let it go. Vinyl is hard to come by. I have thousands so for me, it's not an issue, and yes it sounds better, but I also have 2 Keith Monks machines for cleaning. A real difference.

If your just kicking the tires: Try this: An older Denon table with a decent Ortofon, say an X5MC will get you there, it's output is high enough to play in most decent pre-amps, and like everything, what ever you change is audible, but be ware--- once you go down that slippery slope you may not quit until you have the price of a decent automobile tied up in the system, biased around analogue.

You choose.

loontoon
More to discover