2. analog
  3. 1279551421

When does analog compete with digital?

With vinyl becoming all the rage, many believe (perhaps mistakenly) that a budget of $1K will allow them to bring their analog front end up to par with their digital. I would like a reasoned assessment of this issue.

How much time, money, and expertise do you think is necessary before one can seriously claim that their analog front end can compete with their digital? What characteristics, if any, are simply incommensurable between these two mediums? Let's use my system as an example.

Personally, I tried to build an analog front-end that focused on texture/warmth (as opposed to dynamics), but I still feel as though something is missing. Trouble is, I can't quite put my finger on it. I'd be grateful for comments/suggestions (system in sig)
jferreir

Showing 7 responses by orpheus10

orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
For anyone who is serious about getting the "high end sound" on the cheap, there is a well documented thread here on the Gon; that details the Rega upgrade path.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
theron_day, after reading what you got, I know what it sounds like, and that is what I'm talking about.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Jferrier, the reason I posted on this thread is because I become incensed when beginners are led to believe they can get the "Analog" sound that everyone raves about for less than 2K. If you get a "Midfi" table and you identify the sound as "Hi end", that's fine. However, when you discover the "Hi end" sound, you will realize you wasted your money.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
2K is the bottom line for analog to compete with digital. While there are many ways to get there; you will end up spending 2K or more.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
audiofeil, there is much ambiguity in all statements regarding this. I am comparing my bonified class "A" digital to analog. It was not until I had spent 2K, not counting cartridge, that I had 3D sound that exceeded the digital. I accomplished this through numerous tweeks including changing the tonearm wire. Total cost was 2K.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
You are getting off the subject children. ANALOG is the topic.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Some people can hear, some can not. Some will appreciate the "Soul" of the music, others have no idea what the "Soul" of the music is. Just as only "connoisseur's" of great wines can appreciate vintage grapes, so it is with "high end" audio. As snobbish as this sounds, it is a fact.
I can hear Theron_day's rig. That "groovetracer reference subplatter" definitely puts it over the top. His rig captures the "soul" of the music. If you can hear, "run with the big dogs", if you can not; stay at home.
More to discover