Records and CDs

@ellajeanelle 

  I hear you!

I don’t know where I’ll wind up.

Me too!!

The sonic consistency of digital is a pleasure.  When you listen to a digital source you don’t have to hold your breath wondering if it’s listenable or horrid.

As I mentioned earlier, for me records cannot be the main event;  This is partly due to the maddening inconsistency in their sound quality compared to the relative reliability  of digital.  True, certain records do sound better than any digital on my system but, unfortunately, that is rare..  I also acknowledge everyone’s system is different in the quality of their digital and analog playback so that comparisons are difficult.  
In response to @larsman, Personally, when I mention the unavailability of new titles I’m referring to classical music which I listen mostly to.  I really can’t speak to other genres.

In my previous analogue frenzy I ordered a relatively expensive cartridge (Clearaudio Maestro.) It will be interesting to see what my listening habits will be after it arrives.

@yogiboy

I don’t know why there is an either/or dichotomy with analog and digital in my head. Others in this forum have experienced the same dilemma. Somehow they won’t peacefully exist. It would be nice if I could have it both ways.

@newbee 

Exactly the same experience.  Listening for the sound of records rather than the music.  That becomes the operative mode.  And yes, orchestral which is my main listening is extremely uneven and frustrating..

Can’t resist the temptation to do an A-B comparison between the record and the streamed digital version of the same performance to test SQ.

@ghdprentice

I totally concur with your point. I remember making those A-B comparisons in previous years with analog coming out on top every time. Things have radically changed. Having invested heavily (for me) in a new analog system recently, I fully expected to hear records surpassing CDs or streaming again. That is not the case. Digital has come a long way. And I guess that expectation is part of my dilemma.

I’m beginning to see that making it a contest of digital vs. analog is a fool’s errand. 
 They can peacefully COEXIST in one’s listening habits, appreciating each for its own merits. I don’t have to only listen to one over the other as the “main event.”  Just accepting both as part of a satisfying listening experience is where it’s at.  There need be no “winner.” 
Of course I acknowledge the advantages of digital but it needn’t usurp analog.

@signaforce 
Your point is very well taken.  There are many variables.

In the classical field that I mostly listen to the vast majority of titles released or not on vinyl but on CD. Those that are on LP are twice the price, and despite claims, don’t sound as good as the originals.

Like you, I like the rituals of analog, although I’m not sure it has better sound than digital on my set.

I played a recent SACD of Brahms 4th Symphony on Reference Recordings (Honeck, Pittsburgh Symphony)a highly touted audiophile label, then played a recording of the same symphony on an LP recorded in the mid fifties (Van Beinum Concertgebouw Orchestra) The orchestral sound from the record was infinitely more realistic.

just saying…

Even though I’m somewhat physically challenged in my walking and it’s painful to get up and down, I still enjoy the experience of playing records.  They do have a unique sound even if they don’t always sound great.  It’s worth the effort.

I finally got delivery on the Clearaudio Maestro cartridge.  So far, without having broken in, it sounds very much like the Virtuoso.  Hopefully it will improve in time.

Well, it’s been a couple of days of continual playing, and the cartridge is beginning to blossom.