2. analog
  3. 192973-93252

My Analog Journey - Opinions Sought

When I first started out in this hobby 10 years ago, my first source was a Bluesound Node 2. Eventually I upgraded to a Lumin T2 which was a nice step up in sound quality and I’ve been happy with it ever since.

Around 2021 or so I decided I want to explore the analog side of things. With the guidance of this forum, I settled on a Technics SL1210GR, AudioTechnica VM760SLC cart, and a Herron VTPH1 phono stage.

Somewhere along the line I decided that I preferred the convenience of streaming and there my turntable sat. Collecting dust as they say.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I decided that maybe it was time to start letting some of this gear go that I’m not using. The Herron was first up on the chopping block, but something told me I better turn this thing on and make sure it still works.

So, I hooked everything up. Dropped on Everybody Digs Bill Evans, a recording with which I’m well familiar. Well, I almost cried at how good it sounded. <Insert all the flowery audiophile language here>. The background was blacker. The tone richer, more air and separation around the instruments within the soundstage, and the imaging is more precise.

The difference between my digital and analog rig could not be more apparent. I heard someone say on this forum that you need to spend much more on digital to obtain the same results as analog; or maybe it was the other way around?

I am absolutely hooked on vinyl right now and don’t see myself turning back. Although I do see myself looking into MC carts in the not so distance future.

Thanks to everyone on this forum that shares their knowledge so freely. Comments welcome on future upgrades or anything else.....

Cheers,
Joe

audionoobie

Showing 1 response by inagroove

inagroove
180 posts
 

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. As expected, there are three points of view: Analogue > Digital, Digital > Analogue & Digital = Analogue .  As always, the devil-is-in-the-details.  Which Vinyl and which Digital are key, along with the equipment, cables, etc.

I enjoy both formats, yet have a clear preference >>>

I recently had the opportunity to spend two days at the 2024 CAF show and discovered that I could easily walk down the halls and identify which rooms were playing a digital source and which rooms were playing an analogue source.  The sonic signatures are so obvious that I encourage everyone to give it a try... It was very reassuring to discover that my hearing was still sensitive to the SQ of both.

With that being said, to my ear I always preferred the SQ of the analogue systems (vinyl or tape).  It was a 'no contest' verdict.  A great digital source (CDs for me) is very enjoyable (and convenient), with great 'meat on the bones' sound, but a great analogue source provides more harmonic structure and sonic micro-dynamics.  In these many years only a ~$150k dCS based system has fooled me.  Until I can afford that level of digital, I remain in the Analogue Camp. 

Happy listening to everyone,

 

More to discover