2. analog
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How much do I need to spend to make vinyl sound better than digital?

All,

I have a solid vinyl setup that I like to think of as entry-level “plus:” Project Debut Pro with Sumiko Moonstone cartridge.  I enjoy vinyl for the ritual but find that my digital gear - a $400 ifi streamer and the AKM DAC built into my Anthem preamp - beats the analog rig in most ways.  Far better imaging/soundstage and much tighter bass without the occasional distortion/sibilance/warbling of the vinyl rig.  I haven’t messed with cartridge setup other than to check the factory-performed alignment, which looks perfect.  The table is perfectly balanced, counterweight set correctly with an electronic scale, etc - so I have no reason to think there’s a setup problem.  
 

Is this par for the course for this level of vinyl gear?  What do I need to spend to get my vinyl gear to match the performance of decent digital?  I’m thinking of upgrading to a Clearaudio Concept, perhaps with a Hana SL cartridge, but I want to make sure doing that is going to deliver a fundamentally different experience than what I have right now with the Project/Sumiko combination.

 

No interest in flame wars or rehashing the vinyl/digital debate.  I know vinyl can sound wonderful and am simply trying to decide whether I can afford the price of entry for a system that can gets the basics right (no audible distortion/sibilance, decent imaging).  I thought the Project/Sumiko would have gotten me there, but for whatever reason it hasn’t fit the bill.Thanks for any insights. 

lousyreeds1
mark200mph
362 posts
 

So much knowledge here ,what value, I'm still working on my streaming and getting the turntables set up.so much to learn so do your research go listen prior to spending the 401k.enjoy the search.

joeycastillo
3 posts
 

to the OP.

i think that your analog rig is below par as compared to your digital front end. I was in the same boat as you a few years ago and now, i beleive that my analog is on par with my digital. Just one advise first... your source vinyl plays an important role. it has to be a very good cut. 
i woulld look at the Rega P3 tables or Technics Sl1200 series, 

then if you like a get up and go cartridge, then look at the Dynavector line or if you like a smooth but transparent cartridege, then Hana is what i would research into

as for the Phono preamp. look into Parasound Jc Jr model. .

your preamp has a very good DAC and streaming technology is very very good nowadays.I guess under 5K should get your analog gear on par with your Digital

 

inna
7,923 posts
 

Phono stage should cost two or better three times more than the cartridge. This means $1500 phono stage for $500 cartridge, if my math is correct. And with tube phono stage tubes matter a lot as well, of course. It is hard to see a good analogue set up for less than, say, $5k new.

armyslowrdr's avatar
armyslowrdr
33 posts
 

I have an EAT C Sharp, and Cadenza Blue --what maybe 5000.

and I use a Pass LabsXP17  I think 4500.

IF I upgrade probaly the Pure Fidelity HArmony MK II in Maple with a TRiPlanar U2 SE arm and a Hana Unami Blue---  keep the Pass Labs pre.

So probably I'd spend 22K or so to upgrade.

What my digital stack costs----hmmm--maybe 8,000
Venus 2-12th, SonoreUltra Rendu, and roon core is an Itransporter, the new Onix SACD transport I just got as well.

I enjoy both, vinyl and digital,  about equally.

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
702 posts
 

45 rpm 12 inch vinyl records sound roughly equivalent to 24/192 streaming. It is all about the recording and mixing quality. Recording engineers are not given enough credit. 

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