Analog playback on computer.

I have copied lp's to digital wave files. Then rip the file to a cd. When I play the cd and compare to the lp they sound the same
Alan

It depends on your system. You need a analog to digital computer and a DAC that are as good as your analog system. I digitize at 24/192 with a professional ADC and have chosen my DAC to have a similar sound signature to my analog rig. With that, the digital files sound very similar to the LPs.

So, yes it is possible to get the LP sound as long as you match your ADC and your DAC to your analog setup.

Ahendler and dtc, I want to thank both of you for responding. At one time, it was argued that somehow computer playback couldn't be as good as analog, but I'm glad both you guys got the same result, and there is no difference on playback.

My computer "Geek" told me that a long time ago, and he's not even an audiophile.

Thanks again and enjoy the music.

I've been getting my feet wet in computer audio lately and have been impressed by what's possible. Recording my vinyl from preamp into MacBook using Audacity, then playing it back via Audirvana Plus through a Dac Destroyer into Sony MDR-1R headphones has been a revelation. Liquidity, detail and dynamics up the proverbial. Just stunning sound, as good as my main system in many ways. It's made me want to upgrade my entire adc/dac/headphone set up, which up until a few months ago wasn't something I was into. I had no idea computer audio could sound this good. Audirvana Plus was the main contributor to the sound. Thought it was all just 1s and 0s until I downloaded that app (had been using iTunes) but turns out there's a lot more to it. Vinyl sound through a laptop, who'd have thought?

If you starting digitizing, you should look at Vinyl Studio. It is a great app for separating the tracts, tagging, cleaning up noise, etc. Only $29 with a free trial. One of its great advantages is that is looking up albums in discogs and imports the track names and the timing information. Makes the whole process a lot easy. Available for both Windows and Mac.

Uberdine, and every one else who responded, I know nothing about computers, but I got a "Geek" who knows everything. When I ask him a question, he gives me that look which says "You wouldn't even know after I told you". Back when Stereophile was running articles on computer cards I bought what they recommended, and he installed them, plus I have a "Music Streamer" for the output; economical, but it works very well.

What amazes me the most about "computer audio" is the price ratio when compared to regular audio. We had to spend at least 1K, or more to get the slightest improvement, but in computer audio, we're talking hundreds, as opposed to thousands of dollars; consequently, I'm looking at any computer improvement I can make.


Enjoy the music.

orpheus10, how are you?
I have never tried this kind of digital processing so it was interesting to read. The common opinion is that once it enters digital domain something is lost and can't be recovered. I would need top of the line equipment including computer to form my own opinion. Not a completely correct analogy, but when you translate from one spoken language into another something is always lost. If you know well more than one language, try it especially poetry.

Inna, I've got a tweaked out rig that includes things like: Incognito Tone Arm Rewire, "Deluxe Groove Tracer Subplatter", and other stuff,plus Grado Sonata cartridge, perfectly installed.

I recorded before and after the improvements; therefore I was cognizant of every minute difference, including "nuance" of old favorite records.

My "Geek" explained the process to me, and it was similar to the process used in "Star Trek" when they get beamed up; the molecular breakdown and regeneration. Although he explained it to me, I couldn't even explain it to myself; nevertheless, it works.

Although the before and after the tweaks is quite apparent, there is absolutely no difference between listening to the music on computer playback, and spinning a record.

I know this is true on my rig, I just wondered if it was the same on others rigs. I know I made some improvements on my computer, but I forgot what they were. If improvements are necessary to get this level of playback, you can inquire the same people who responded to my post.


Enjoy the music.

Inna, the proper word was "analogous", not similar to that used on "Star Trek"; a big difference, but I couldn't spell analogous at the time, and used a word that I thought was "similar". There is a world of difference between the two in my explanation of analog to digital.

In digital,there is no such thing as "left" and "right" channel, so how does all that stuff get back together; not to far from "Star Trek" is it?


Enjoy the music.

Orpheus10, I myself have no need for this, I use Nakamichi 682ZX cassette deck to make compilations from records and cds, I am just curious. Speaking of Star Trek, it's a fantasy, at least for now. One day they may be capable of doing energy/matter conversion with living beings..I don't want to think about it. However, philosophically speaking, I doubt that this kind of reconstruction would yield the exact original state. Quantum signature would be different. Now what the heck did I just say?

Inna, your transporter concerns are unfounded, assuming there is no sub-space interference, since fluctuating quantum states can be handled by the cross circuit to b function.

And what if there is interference? But you did comfort me a little.

Isn't this what the Hindenburg compensators are for? 

Dam autocorrection curcuits, I meant Hizenburg

I have no intention to digitalize my vinyl, but even vinyl reissues are not as good as the original pressings. I don’t care much about new music recorded digitally from the start, my favorite records are from the 70s era. Those LPs recorded on mastertapes on serious studio equipment, no digital sh*t involved in this process, those records are true magic compared to digitally remastered reissues of the same record even if they are pressed on 180g and promissed to be superiour (in 99% they are awful compared to the original press made 40 years ago).
So I’m trying to avoid digital as much as i can!

If you can’t hear any difference between properly recorded original vinyl (mastered from the tapes, 100% analog source) and your homemade digital copy, then maybe your analog rig is not good. Analog source in this case must be superior.

If you’re talking about new music recorded digitally and then pressed on vinyl, then converted from vinyl back to digital... it is completely out of my mind, better buy .wav file directly from the label.

Digital is good to share the music, but i don’t understand people who’s trying to digitalize their vinyl just to listen the same music from a computer (it is such a boring process). Why not just play vinyl?

A copy from analog to digital can not be the same as a true analog source!
In this case it’s better to copy on reel to reel (or on tape) to stay analog.

Agreed Chakster,I do digital copy of high quality original press vinyl from the late 50's to 70's .Close but no cigar.It is not the same,loss of 3D sound field.Forget about reissued digital  compared to a first press or promo LP.That's why promo Doors sell for over a grand.I just paid close $200 for a promo Zappa Freakout.I just bought a mint first Doors press for $40.Love it.The tapes were fresh then 40 to 50 years ago and details,space and air are more present.Have you noticed how much first presses have gone up on ebay in mint condition?