Vinyl vs. digital: what am I doing wrong?

What????? Studio 68...I hear the exact opposite. I have an Ayre C5xe CD player - not a slouch, however the vinyl is warmer, more 3 dimensional, more air, ...just more real. If you didn't hear the vinyl, the CD is wonderful, but I do hear the vinyl. ..check your setup!!

You're probably not doing anything wrong and it looks like you're putting together a very nice system. From your descriptions and pics, and without me knowing more, my suggestions would be: a) in line with Audiofeil's comments (above) - your table deserves, first, a better arm and second you'll get more resolution, air and improved tonality from a higher-end cartridge; and b) though not TT related, your room might benefit from some acoustic treatment. Just some ideas - good luck.

Tim

For critical listening, I adjust the stylus tip angle to suit the record. No mention of this was in your post, so that might be something you have overlooked.

I wold also personally confirm that the turn table is level and set up properly. In a time where most people don't know how to run a record player, the person setting up your player might not be able to go beyond basic assembly.

Nothing against the famous name who set up your table. I would generally trust them, after all, I am not famous for Audio distinction and the are , yet in something so critical you must know it is correct. No matter who set up the table, you must understand that it is correctly done, since this is your starting point for all the sound downstream.

The recording on the Norah Jones CD is no slouch. A properly "tuned" turntable should have no problem sounding better than the CD version. I have both the LP and the CD.

Properly setting up a turntable is not a difficult task. Just read the instructions and most people will have no problem doing it. It's the minute infinite tweaking that brings out the best from your rig. Having someone else do it for you might not be the answer. Was it setup in your room or at his place?