The character of analog and digital

@mglik

Thank you for your kind words.

I find which sounds better (analog / digital file/ Streaming) depends. You clearly are a better judge than I on the nuances of specific instruments. But in some cases I find the vinyl is just less detailed than the same version streamed, sometimes the reverse. I am not sure, but it easily could be which vinyl press or what number pressing. We would have to review a lot of albums to find an average.

Alternatively, with your professional musical background you may be more grounded in exactly how and instrument should sound. I may be deaf to some of those nuances and value some other aspect.

To me, given the variability of each medium I find them on about equal footing… one shining brighter from time to time.

But happy to have you over whenever you like to continue the experiment.

OP… “What I’m trying to say is that if you’re into the music first you’re more likely to make a good judgement as to whether the SQ is enhancing the musical experience.”

When we go to choose audio equipment we go into analytical mode where we direct our minds eye (ear in this case)… to listen for differences flitting from sound to sound. Spend too much time picking out equipment like this only and this becomes how we appreciate a system… instead of being drawn into the music and making your decision from the perspective of the music..

Typically we are drawn to music by the subconscious, that is the need being satisfied by listening to music.

I always recommend you do a few minutes of analytical listening, but quickly switch to listening to the music and not the equipment… this will allow your subconscious latch on to the equipment which gives you the greater emotional connection… moves you. This allows one to do what I think you are referring. Listen to the music and let that be the guide… or you end up with an analytical sounding system. Where you can hear a musician move his foot… but miss the musicality and emotional connection.

@millercarbon 

Nice post. Welcome back.

Ok. Just for fun. I compared the vinyl copy of the remastered audiophile Revolver, with the streamed exact same streamed version… 16/44mhz, the vinyl wins by a nose.

But the new 2022 version 24/96 bests both… not by a huge amount, but noticeably. The streamed version has a hint of greater resolution… but of the same overall character and warmth. 

The important thing is… on my system. Which, on average, has equal performance from vinyl and digital.

Interesting comment. I want to agree. But as I review my experience… I don’t know.

My analog and digital (CD, file playing, and streaming) sound the same (not by accident). So, typically I stream, and sometimes play albums. I have 2,000 vinyl albums, many audiophile recording, and very well kept albums from the 50’s through present. There is a lot of variation. The late 50’s / early 60’s vinyl really stand out as jaw droppingly good. They seem to trump digital. But when I listen to a well recorded album digitally… it is really good. For instance, I was listening to a streamed version of the HR Beatles Revolver (2022?) album this morning and I just could not believe how stunning the voices of Paul and George… well the whole album… I have the whole audiophile Beatles vinyl collection from about 15 years ago. I guess I’ll have to listen to it to verify the digital sounded better.

I guess, my thoughts are, when analog has really great masters and reproduction, maybe it occasionally peaks a bit higher… but generally not. Whenever I have done head to head great recordings, I have come up with a draw… although I always want the analog to sound better.