What sounds best: Vinyl or CDs

Recently I became aware of the Dynamic Range Database available on line.  Check it out.  Interestingly,  according to this database, the vinyl version always scored highest on the scale of dynamic range over the many CD versions.   Some versions of the same music in CD might match the vinyl's dynamic range, but rarely exceeded the vinyl.  I believe CD compression explains much of the perceived inferiority of this format.  Generally speaking, I believe a typical LP would rarely sound worse than the CD version, but a well engineered CD can come close to matching the LP,  assuming the best playback systems from both formats. This assumes dynamic range is an important criteria for your listening, which for me, more dynamic range = more realistic.

However, on super extreme, well engineered sources, with the very highest dynamic range, and on an unusually capable playback system, I think the story changes, and digital can exceed vinyl and tape.   My professional level system (JBL M2, JBL Sub18, 3 Crown ITech5000HD stereo amps) is capable of super phenomenal  dynamic range (1250 watts to each compression high frequency driver, 1250 watts to each 15" woofer, and 2500 watts to 18" sub) .  Dynamic range capability was this system's major design criteria, and it is frequently used in movie and music production.  I have carefully tuned my listening position using measurement, speaker/sub placement, and acoustical room treatment to handle this extreme dynamic range capability.   When I play the SACD of "Bucky Pizzarelli-Swing Live" by Chesky, which has the highest dynamic range in my collection, and is what I consider a "super" disc, and play it at a generous SPL, the effect is jaw dropping.  I think, how is that even possible.   I don't believe vinyl is technically capable of this super extreme, and considering the base notes being produced in the room, I wonder if you would be hard pressed to  even put the TT in the same room as the speakers. 

Unfortunately, really, really good sources with extreme dynamic range are rare.

It depends on the LP or CD.  There are vinyl recordings that sound awful and ones that sound great.  Same with CD recordings.  Some CD recordings are phenomenal.  Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller - Direct-To-CD is as close to live as one might ever hear.  Yes it is a CD.

I think where this gets tricky is when you have a CD and a vinyl of the same recording.  If the vinyl is brand new and the best pressing done from the batch - possibly an early pressing you may find the LP sounds better.  However every time you play the vinyl you are shaving some of the fine detail off of it.

Perhaps a better question would be - can you hear the difference between a new vinyl and a digitized recording of that same vinyl.  Using a fancy Benchmark ADC1 A-to-D I "record" my records.  So far I have not had 1 person able to hear the difference between the LP or the Digital file.  And I have a very accurate system - full range electrostatics, Benchmark mono-blocks etc.  

I like to tell people there are different types of playback systems.  One type is the analytical reference system - this is what I have in my studio / playback room.  The other is a performance system - this is what I have in my car - it doesn't actually act as a playback reference it creates its own performance.  So for some things the music actually "sounds better" in my car!  But that is because the car is hiding shortcomings and exaggerating other things.  Sort of the same way a guitar amplifier and speakers are part of the music not a playback component.

So to get back to your question...  If the music you are listening to is only available on an old LP then that is what you have to listen to.  Conversely if only available on CD then there you go.

I have three music sources in my system:
A turntable, a CD player and my computer.

I have three playback systems:
My good one in my studio.
My car.
My iPhone with headphones.

Given the fact that I don't have a turntable in my car or iPhone it reduces the choices down to digital.

 

LP is better but CD can be quite good. Use good gear in both, Modified Linn and different players and Metrum Hex. Movers damaged my Rega 1000 and I am going to use my Jelco until until it is fixed. LP cost more but I have used the Linn up against some good systems [theirs, not mine] and it has stood up well. I haven't put in my Koetsu Red in yet as I have been afraid I would damage it in my present state but I have decided "what the hell". I can;t the it with me"!

LP is better but CD can be quite good. Use good gear in both, Modified Linn and different players and Metrum Hex. Movers damaged my Rega 1000 and I am going to use my Jelco until until it is fixed. LP cost more but I have used the Linn up against some good systems [theirs, not mine] and it has stood up well. I haven't put in my Koetsu Red in yet as I have been afraid I would damage it in my present state but I have decided "what the hell". I can;t the it with me"!

The Linn Superline is great but I am downsizing to Jasmine but havent been able to use it yet. Speakers Spendor and Gamut. Amps CJ 350 and Gamut 2000. Passive pre townsend.