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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 dividebytube

dividebytube
50 posts
 
Just my 02c

When CDs first came out, I really hated them. To my (younger) ears, digital just sounded terribly brash and gave me headaches. I stuck with vinyl.

Forward a few years, and the wave of re-issues prompted me to start buying CDs. I started getting better DACs - anyone remember Theta? and I started to think that digital was the way to go. Less background noise, less fuss, less muss.

I ended up selling my Rega RP2, and build a K&K RAKK DAC using line transformers. It was the best sound I had ever gotten out of my rig. During this time I also upgraded my speakers and electronics.

And then... that same Rega I sold to a friend, came back for a visit. This time it had a better cart and a much better phono stage. My friend and I sat down and started spinning some vinyl. Even that cheap analog setup wiped the floor of my digital rig. The turntable sounded more natural, had a bigger soundstage, and was much more engrossing.

I realized with digital, I was stuck on the 'objective' view of music, analyzing the system more than the music. With records, I was swept up in the performances and art.

Since that experience, I've gone back to vinyl. It's been VPI since then, along with some much better electronics. I don't see myself ever going back to digital, especially with some of the quality original first pressings I own.
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