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On the Fence with Analog Vs. Digital. Need Help

Out of the blue I've been considering switching to vinyl. Most likely the reason for this is that my digital source is only an NAD T532 DVD player (ran into 2 NAD C 272 amps, NAD C162 Preamp or Adcom GFP-750 Preamp, Paradigm Studio 60 v3). The sound to me has been relatively harsh and just does not sound natural. My friend also let me borrow his Cambridge Audio Acur D540 player; it has its strengths against the T532, but can still sound bright and edgy. Granted neither of these players are ones to base a good overall analysis of digital sound reproduction on, the prospect of smooth fully analog sound is interesting to me. I've heard LPs before, but only on sub-par playback systems where the albums sounded grainy. So now the question is: do I spend $500 on a new Music Hall MMF-5 turntable and start investing in an entirely new music collection (I own about 3 LPs) to get this smooth sound that I am seeking, or is there a modestly priced CD player or external DAC out there that can achieve a smooth, lifelike sound with my current set up?

I've considered going with an external DAC and a computer-based album storage solution, but from what I've been reading and from what I've noticed listening to more expensive CD players ($3000+), it seems as though you really need to get up around that price range before digital begins to sound smoother and more analog. Right now I don't have $3000 to drop on a DAC/CD Player; it's a little easier to come up with the $500 for the Music Hall and gradually build the LP collection. So that's my dilema. I'm so close to saying "screw digital" and just taking the plunge. I might like, I might hate. Who knows.
jwglista

Showing 3 responses by elf73

elf73
104 posts
 
It's fun to buy records. That is if you like collecting things, going to garage/estate sales, used book-record stores etc. It's an involving experience. And it can be really cheap. As well, you can be the "different" kid on the block. Also like the guy above said, records are more tactile.

As far as sound, I think it sounds better. But most of the time (entertaining/background tunes while you wash the dishes) digital is good enough.

I just bought a Monarchy M24 for about $750. It's a tube Dac/tube linestage (pre-amp). One optical, one coaxial RCA and one linestage for you phono. So you can connect an Apple Airport Express to your optical for internet radio/MP3's/Wav (whatever), I personally don't think it sounds too bad (I have a cheap DAC attached), the coaxial to your CD player (so you don't have to ditch your collection) and the a phono stage to the linestage.

The DAC has gotten good reviews. The tubes might smooth out the sound for you.

I'm new to all this, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
elf73
104 posts
 
Oh, if you want some Vinyl propaganda this guy writes a pretty informative and entertaining (keep in mind it is subjective however) online column about the relative merits of vinyl (I like his choice in music as well):

http://www.furious.com/Perfect/vinylanachronist.html

I re-read your post, whatever you do, don't get rid of your CDs. Depending on what sort of music you listen to, some of it might sound better on CDs (hip hop, electronic, jazz re-remixes etc). Zeppelin, Hendrix, Black Sabbath and Metallica definately sound way better on vinyl though.

Also with the Playstation, it's only the first model scph 1001 that is considered worthy for CD playback.
elf73
104 posts
 
FWIW, I also liked the Playstation. It was $35, I wanted to spend my limited resources on a computer based system and analog. Pretty low risk. I only have about 60 CDs, and have very limited experience with gear, but I agree with Ablang, I like my CDs a lot more now through the playstation.

www.canuckaudiomart.com/forum/
viewtopic.php?t=6886&sid=40b2653d39999f53df246da72ef9d7c6

I have a really cheap NAD 325bee integrated with my PS1 and it doesn't sound at all bright.. maybe it's your speakers?

Also I'm in the same boat with analogue. I was thinking of the MMF-5 because it's all inclusive but I"ve decided to go for the Rega P2 or P3 (older Planar as well) in the meantime. I can't afford any of the Michell decks, and then you start thinking you need a better phono stage to warrant such a nice deck etc etc. Waiting for one in the $350-450 range. Especially with it's RB250 tonearm.

Supposedly the RB250 is better than the RB300 arm due to it's infinite tweakability.

You can upgrade the table piece by piece (groovetracer.com) or arm (origin live.com) should you decide to go that route.

Should you get into it, you can keep the RB250 tonearm, as a lot of higher end tables don't come with either the arm or cartridge. Rega has quite a following. Especially it's lower end stuff.

Since you have a phono stage already, you're good to go for $350-400. My first medium was vinyl, and even before I heard about a record cleaning machine (thanks audiogon) I loved the music from my LPs. I think you were right with your first instinct, you're ready to go with a brush and some records... besides, you can always sell for what you paid.

FWIW.
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