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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 9 responses by rok2id

rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"until I begin hearing pops, clicks, surface noise"

Surely this is not 'breaking news' I got out of vinyl as soon as the first CD players appeared. What took you so long?
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"Also, I probably hear clicks, etc in only about 5% of my 3000+ albums."

If this is true, assuming you have normal hearing, then LPs ain't what they used to be.

"I have to say the small amount of surface noise is not a problem at all"

Would you be so forgiving if you heard noise on a CD? Would you tolerate a small amount of noise in a preamp or any other component? I almost said wire also, but the Lord stopped me in time. :) Seems as if noise is ok, depending on the source. One of my favorite CDs is very unpleasant to listen to because of the 'breathing' of the violinist. To me noise is noise, regardless of the source.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Human hearing was developed over many econs to ensure survival. So we could hear the lion among all the other noises on the plains. This was few years before LPs came out.

Now, I got your point, it's just that it's getting to be a little much, this attempt to prove the so-called superiority of analog. Leave elvolution out of it.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
" If you are focusing on the noise you aren't focusing on the music anyways..."

This was written on a site that does nothing but focus on everything except the music. hahahaha But you are correct and it was good read it.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
I see a lot of systems with no analog. But few if any, that have no CD player. Speaks louder than words.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Lewm:
I agree with your statement about the early CDs and the Players. I first became aware of CD around 1985-86 in Germany. I could not afford the early players, but I had about 100 CDs before I finally got a player. I considered CD to be my prayers answered. My main audio goal was to get away from all that damn grinding click and pops and rituals in volved in playing a record. I started off thinking I would just buy classical CDs and continue with Jazz and Pop on LP. I didn't foresee the remaster thingy. I still have those first CDs. They still sound bad. I think Liszt was my first CD. Now, apparently true audiophiles can find tune their ears to hear some things and block out other noises / sounds. I cannot do that. A true audiophile can hear the difference between every amp in creation. Every piece or wire that exists. They can even hear power cords. And they get very picky about these things. But, they don't seem to hear all the shortcomings of LP. I don't get it. But it's all way above my pay grade. A Guy with a receiver and polks should not dare question the oracles. But to sum up: I listen to music. Not the gear, no critical listening, no sweet spot, no matching of components and all the rest. Just the music.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Mt10425
we have no disagreement
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Kevvwill
Often while browsing on Amazon or some other site, I will see a CD with a great review and I will think, I have that, let's give it a listen. But when I go to the spot in my CD rack it's not there. Then I will remember, I have it on LP. I just hate the thought of trying to get into all that again. I think it will cheaper just to replace the good stuff with CD. And quieter. :)
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"As for the pops etc. do you freak out at a concert if someone makes a sound? You do listen to live music don't you? If not, perhaps that is part of the problem.

Do you, or would you freak out if you heard pops from your amp, preamp, speakers or cd player? Or maybe there are good pops and bad pops.
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