2. analog
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Does a turntable make a DRAMATIC difference?

I purchased some analog gear in the hopes of making my analog side (a Sutherland 20 20 phono preamplifier and a Hana ML cartridge) at least the equal of my digital side. Although it has markedly improved the sound of my records it has not equaled the SQ of my digital sources. I know my turntable ( a heavily modified Rega RP3 with two power supplies and many other internal tweaks) is the weakest link. My question is, will a new improved turntable make a MAJOR difference, or just incrementally improve the sound. Or do I have to spend major bucks to achieve what I want.

128x128rvpiano

Showing 2 responses by sandthemall

sandthemall
544 posts
 

I have a decent digital side. My turntable more than edges out my digital but not always. 

Oddly some recordings sound nearly identical. Rare is it when the digital album beats the analog one.

But I have to agree with set up being key. My analog side is Technics 1200G>AT33PTGII>Hagerman Trumpet MC>Don Sachs Model 2.  preamp. Certainly not high end but it was when I used a thicker mat to zero in on VTA that I got things dialed in. Careful set up is key.

sandthemall
544 posts
 

Digital is like tracing a picture. Analog is like drawing from one.

The tracing is accurate but a bit lifeless. Analog is less accurate, yes, but full of life.

A stylus reacts to a sharp noise reproduction in the recording with almost a violent shock within the groove. How is that ever going to be accurate! But it’s an event that creates magic. And it’s been honed through many years of improvement. It’s just a more emotional experience. The sins of digital are subtractive. The sins of analog are additive. To me, one is really not better than the other...pick your poison.

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