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Digital is far better than vinyl

I have invested a decent sum of money into my digital setup, including a decent streamer (Innuos Zenith MK3), a very good dac (Denafrips Terminator 2), Eno filter, and good cabling. But after being told by many here that vinyl is vastly superior to digital, I thought let’s build an analog system and see what all the fuss is about. So this is what I did ...

I picked up an Audio Technica TT from Amazon for around $299. I then used one of the older integrated amps with a built-in phono, which I believe I paid around $500 a few years ago. And, finally, just to even out the playing field I bought the cheapest possible cables from alibaba. Since I didn’t have extra rack space to put the TT on, I got a couple of bricks and built a DIY platform for it.

So after listening to the analog setup for a few days, I can proclaim without a shadow of doubt that digital is far, far superior than vinyl on any given day, and twice a day on Sunday.

What has been your experience? And please, don’t mention your gear or any special. cartridges, isolation, etc. Not interested in your system details. I just want to make sure you guys understand that digital is far, far superior than vinyl.

128x128arafiq
sonic79
80 posts
 

Amazing how the opening post continues to pass right over the head of some people. Even a post that clearly mockingly challenges the "superiority" of vinyl is enough to ruffle their feathers. Vinyl is serious business, I see.

thecarpathian
4,181 posts
 

@jonwolfpell ,

Ya just didn't bother to read any of this, huh?

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Sweet Vinyl Sugarcubes help quite a bit.

jonwolfpell
342 posts
 

I guess satire is a lost art. I obviously knew the initial statement was a joke and was offering an analogy. 
 

I happened to own the streamer he mentioned ( relatively new purchase) a really good turntable/arm/ cartridge  ( for a  long time) in a really nice system. All of the obvious points were made. Just having fun. 
 

I love the ease of streaming & the accessibility to lots of music I’ve not heard using Qobuz. A good recording on an album in good shape can sound a LITTLE more full bodied, fleshed out, warmer etc but in my system, it’s really close. I’m really enjoying both but probably not buying too many more albums. 

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

Comparing "digital" en masse to "analog" is equivalent to comparing karate to jiu jitsu. Which is better?

The answer: well, you need no answer.

The better prepared, stronger, fitter will always win.

When looking at equivalent levels of mastery, then the answer is: each are specialists of something. Do you want to knock out your opponent, or restrain him?

Digital tend to be more suitable for bigger groups of people, A/B evaluations, getting a good show, listening to the latest recordings, short sessions.

Analog is more suitable for finding the substance, lone whole night listening, touching soul an spirit, invoking memories that you thought were gone forever with force that takes away your breath.

Digital wants you to focus on the virtues of your gear. Analogue lets you flow with the music.

Of course, poor digital will focus on the weaknesses of your system, and poor analog will annoy you with issues you do not have with digital.

 

 

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