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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 1 response by timrhu

timrhu
2,779 posts
 
My advice comes from similar experience. A few years ago I owned the Paradigm Studio 60v.2 powered by older Japanese electronics. Things could get unbearably harsh sounding. There were several system upgrades through Audiogon purchases which improved things over the past few years. Here are a few of the things I've learned to help tame digital harshness.
The single biggest improvement to alleviate the digital nastiness was the purchase of a Resolution Audio CD-50 cdp. I believe it listed for $3k+ when new but I got it on ebay at a steal price, maybe no one in the know was looking that week. The point is, there are cdps that can sound wonderful.
Another thing is those speakers. I remember auditioning my Paradigms and falling in love with them but they would never be called smooth.
One more thing which has been mentioned above is the room. That takes work but is extremely important for good sound.
As for vinyl, my experience is way different than yours. I owned 500 or so albums that were stored in a closet. There is so much work that goes into listening to vinyl it isn't for me. I auctioned off most of my albums here and honestly haven't regretted it. Can vinyl sound wonderful? Most definitely. Can digital sound wonderful? For me the answer is most definitely. They both take some work to get good sound but it is achievable either way.
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