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 2 responses by timeltel

timeltel's avatar
timeltel
830 posts
 
Agree with Chashas 1. I have a Goldring 1022, it is a relatively bright cartridge and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking "warmth/texture".
I suggest you replace your cartridge. A carefully considered replacment would be a cost-effective means for you to decide if further changes are needed in your analog rig.
Plenty of cartridge options available, just ask or research the MM/MC thread here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&&&/Who-needs-a-MM-cartridge-type-when-we-ha

Good luck.
timeltel's avatar
timeltel
830 posts
 
Young people stand and just stare at my ancient rig with it's Christmas tree lights and spastic analog meters. "You mean all that sound comes out of THAT"? All '70's stuff, Pio. SX-1980, Tech. SP-15 TT/EPA-250 TA, SP-25/Infinity Black Widow backup TT. After a brief flirt with mo-dern MC carts., a venerable Grace F9-E and a $45.00 NOS Acutex cartridge are now favorites. $3500, cost of a new car then or currently obtainable for the equivilent of the same old "beater" now. Experienced others laugh about the antique gear until they listen, for 30 years my musically induced smile has been the Chesshire Cat-like same. A modest Rega Saturn CDP gathers dust, digital is for the ride where on a twisty road I don't really care if my music is reconstructed in teeny little irritating bits.

If cost is your concern, I suggest you'll find good value in vintage equipment.

Peace.
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