L.A times 12-24-02 analogue is back

Amazing, isn't it?!

The main question that comes to mind is, why is vinyl making a comeback, when it is so much easier to just pop in a CD disc?

I think that the answer is that people are wanting more out of their music, and analog is a way to get it.

Notice, digital people, I didn't say THE way to get it, even though I was strongly tempted.

In the overall scheme of things, analog has been the constant, and digital a two-decade diversion, based on the "promises" of technology. Considering that technology is merely a means toward a desired end, if a technology does not provide the desired end, it is not useful technology. If the desired end is "best" musical reproduction, and not convenience, then the re-emerging of analog makes alot of sense. Digital will always be here, because of its convenience and inclusivity in our increasingly digital lives. But for those who seek satisfaction above what digital allows, the vinyl medium will be sought out. Probably never again in the mainstream, but by "purists", which will always exist, even though the numbers are fewer.

I personally find the "mainstream" a very compromised location, and am not comfortable there, in anything that I do.

It's amazing to see non-golden eared "normal" people hear the difference between vinyl and digital. In my experience when given the opertunity they always prefer the sound of vinyl to digital.

I have had good, if not great CDPs and now own an SACD player (which is a vast improvement) but none of them sounds as good as my TT/arm/cartridge. It is amazing how much information is captured in those grooves. It is also amazing that CD is not able to do as well if not better. After all these years it should have done more than become just an okay sounding medium.

I had a guy over recently who designs and builds his own equipment as a hobby. During the day he works on computers. He was convinced of the superiority of digital to analog. Several hours later he left muttering under his breath. His comments had something to do with disbelief.

I would not want to agree with anything the L.A. Times says, but the proof is too obvious to ignore. I have to agree with TWL. When I'm considered normal there is something wrong with the curve, but in this case maybe the consumer is catching up to the dinosaur!

Does this mean we are going to have record stores again?

I really wish the Times and other publications would keep such revelations to themselves....

Quote: "I had a guy over recently who designs and builds his own equipment as a hobby. During the day he works on computers. He was convinced of the superiority of digital to analog. Several hours later he left muttering under his breath. His comments had something to do with disbelief."

Damn Zaikes, you made him flip! I call that a *paradigm shift*. I imagine when the guy first saw that DJ turntable of yours...

Can't you afford a 'high end' turntable? No?

Psychicanimal, I'm not sure what you meant when you quoted my response.
I suppose it could qualify as a paradigm shift for his way of thinking. He had a TT in his younger years, but fell for all the marketing hype of the CDP.

I thought you were Zaikesman!!!

Sorry...

Anyway that is indeed a *paradigm shift*, just like for guys who like pretty girls and one day get drunk and go out w/ a not so pretty girl with extreme movements!!!