2. analog
  3. 140184-113812

Turntable got absolutely crushed by CD

Long story short, i've just brought home a VPI classic 1 mounted with a Zu-Denon DL103 on JMW Memorial 10.5 with the appropriate heavier counterweight. Had everything dialed in..perfect azimuth, VTF, overhang, with only a slightly higher than perfect VTA. Levelling checked. All good. 

I did a comparison between the VPI and my Esoteric X03SE and it's not even close. The Esoteric completely crushes the VPI in all regards. The level of treble refinement, air, decay, soundstage depth and width, seperation, tonality, overall coherence is just a simply a league above from what I'm hearing from the VPI. The only area the VPI seems to be better at is bass weight, but not by much. 

I'm honestly quite dumbfounded here. I've always believed that analogue should be superior to digital. I know the Esoteric is a much pricier item but the VPI classic is supposed to be a very good turntable and shouldn't be a slouch either. At this point I feel like I should give up on analogue playback and invest further in digital. 

Has anyone had a similar experience comparing the best of digital to a very good analogue setup?

Equipment:
Esoteric X03SE 
VPI Classic, JMW Memorial 10.5, Zu-DL103
Accuphase C200L
Accuphase P600
AR 90 speakers

Test Record/CD:
Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing (Redbook vs MOV 180g reissue)



chadsort

Showing 2 responses by daveyf

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,010 posts
 
I think these days, great digital can come close to the very best analog. Close, but not at quite the same level. Having heard what I consider to be the best digital, the MSB Select 2DAC with power supplies, and compared it to an excellent vinyl set up, the vinyl still has it beat. Except in one area....ease of use and access to multiple titles via a server.
Vinyl needs to be set up with exactitude and care, plus it needs ongoing maintenance...the software needs to be treated with kid gloves and the hardware needs to be isolated ( a good suspension helps here) along with a very great attention to synergy. Get it all right, ie, resolving cartridge, arm with correct compliance and a simpatico with the table...and a table that has exacting speed control and ultra low noise...and analog will make digital sound exactly that...digital...to my ears. Get it wrong, and the result will be as in the OP.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,010 posts
 
 @paulcreed  Why do you think most people hate Linn’s? Although this may be a slightly tougher statement than I would use, I do think that most people are happy to bash Linn. 
Those that bash Linn, IME have not heard what a well set up LP12 can do. As you noticed, your LP12 was more to your liking than the new VPI, no surprise for me there. Today, with the various mods that  are available for Linn owners, imo it can still be updated into one of the best tables available...at any price.
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