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 3 responses by tomwh

tomwh
150 posts
 
Analog is only better if you like the sound of real unamplified music.  If you have ever played in bands and orchestras you have been at least exposed to live music.

I can not imagine the OP background in music even if the arm is to light etc.  Unless his step up and or phono amp are really really bad!!!

I want a grand piano to sound like it made from wood and the strings are hit with a felt hammer not a metal one.  For the people who can not understand the last sentence why bother with vinyl.  Unless you totally dig the art work or rituals.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

tomwh
150 posts
 
Prof.

You stated above real words about what made your heart sing.  Raul show his hand again and again with his distortion, anti tube and even digital is the real thing stuff.

When a person grows up playing in bands and orchestras, they have real advantage of knowing what real music sounds like and feels like.  Most people just listen to what they like or told to like.

So it is nice that you brought the heart felt aspect into the equation.  The only question is how many people caught it or care.

Enjoy the ride
Tom
tomwh
150 posts
 
Hey Prof

You took the time to write a nice comprehensive reply to a silly post.  You have the patience of a saint.  Subjective vs Objective are never given any attention.  Absolutes are given in a reality I am not a part of.

The reality is you write from a real life experiences in live music, plus sitting in the right spot(could not resist).  I guess you can sit in the right spot all your life but never hear the music.  It is like the guy singing in the shower with the pitch so far off it changed notes.  He is still happy as hell, he can not hear it.

I guess musicians are just not suppose to bring their ears to party.  Only people who sit in a certain row.  The bassoon playing right next to you does not count.  

Well it is nice to see someone else who really cares about how real music sounds and feels.  

Enjoy the ride
Tom



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