Generalizations suck!
In my room some recordings sound better in digital format and others in analog format. As somebody mentioned above, the native recording format tends to be the best playback format. But, even that observation is a rule of thumb, not a natural law. Both formats have virtues and limitations.
I have no data to support this observation, but I suspect there are generational dynamics at work in determining one’s preferences. I grew up on vinyl, and prefer analog. Many of my younger audiophile friends grew up on CDs and prefer digital.
In a comment above, someone recommended one focus on one or the other format in constructing a system. I think there’s wisdom in that recommendation. I focus on vinyl playback, but recently added a streamer/server to the mix. I like this digital source for auditioning music new to me and for those occasions when I don’t want to mess with the rituals of vinyl playback. This works out fine, as not every listening session should be burdened by the often frustrating criteria most audiophiles bring to music appreciation. :-) With that, I am content and enjoying the music, which is, after all, the point.
In my room some recordings sound better in digital format and others in analog format. As somebody mentioned above, the native recording format tends to be the best playback format. But, even that observation is a rule of thumb, not a natural law. Both formats have virtues and limitations.
I have no data to support this observation, but I suspect there are generational dynamics at work in determining one’s preferences. I grew up on vinyl, and prefer analog. Many of my younger audiophile friends grew up on CDs and prefer digital.
In a comment above, someone recommended one focus on one or the other format in constructing a system. I think there’s wisdom in that recommendation. I focus on vinyl playback, but recently added a streamer/server to the mix. I like this digital source for auditioning music new to me and for those occasions when I don’t want to mess with the rituals of vinyl playback. This works out fine, as not every listening session should be burdened by the often frustrating criteria most audiophiles bring to music appreciation. :-) With that, I am content and enjoying the music, which is, after all, the point.