Pros and Cons of "Staying with" Analog and Vinyl


After having various turntables over the last 40 years, I am seriously considering getting out of analog. The "vinylists" argue that analog playback sounds more natural, musical, and provides more of an emotional response. I have experienced this feeling several times while listening to my modest vinyl collection, and tend to agree....until I begin hearing pops, clicks, surface noise. I keep my vinyl generally clean and protected

However, after listening to the 40th anniversay edition of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" I am more convinced that analog is just not worth the time, money and, maintenance. The dynamics on new Aqualung are superb and there seems to be much more detail to what I remember of the Mobile Fidelity remastered recording

I have a modest analog set-up Rega P3-24 with their upgraded PS and the Dynavector 10X5 MC. I was on the verge of upgrading to the new Rega RP-6 which includes a newly design PS, and a choice of color plinths. Even with a generous trade-in value offered by the dealer, I would still be putting in about $1300 + which would get me into the Dynavector DV 20MKII ( above their 10X5.)

I personally don't see the value regardless of the sonic qualitative edge of analog. Maybe, the money could be spent elsewhere or not at all. BTW, I am not getting into computer audio, and am STILL not convinced that a BASIC DAC will bring me closer to analog sound quality. Members have recommended Peachtree's DACIT, and even the supposedly new and improved Musical Fidelity V-DAC II. I have a Rega Apollo player. A great sounding player, but it has its flaws.

Therefore, I would like to hear the pros and cons of staying with analog....or just dumping it. Thanks
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by chayro

The most important thing you said was the YOU do not see (hear) the value of analog. In that case, dump it. That said, I really think that too many audiophiles obsess too much over their analog and it begins to be a source of stress rather than a pleasure. Why? Once the turntable is properly set up, which is no big deal with a Rega, just clean the record when you get it, clean the stylus with a bit of LP#9 and play. That's all that need be done for a few years, when you have to replace the cartridge, which admittedly can be pricey. The problem is that too many people (and I've met a few) constantly live in apprehension that the tt is not ajusted perfectly and feel they have to screw around with it on a regular basis. You see posts like that here all the time - Oooh, I hear some inner-groove distortion; oooh, I hear a noise when I do this... I have yet to find a record that is absolutely perfect from beginning to end. Most will have a noise somewhere on it. It doesn't bother me as long as it is brief in duration. But, as I first stated, if you are not getting pleasure out of it, let it go.