2. digital
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Tried analog yet again after decades of digital

Ok Im posting this on the digital format because Id be handed my head if on the analog side.I like many over the years decided to try analog again.Ive hauled around records for years from place to place and never really wanted to part with them,more a memory thing I guess.To the point,I purchased a VPI scout recently,mounting a benz micro cartridge to it and various phone preamps I have inside such things as receivers and integrated amps along with a stand alone phono.Bought the record cleaner machine and all the stuff necessary to use the format properly,I think.Set the table up with time and patience and dialed it in as best I could without getting anal about it.What Im finding is a format that is really inferior to digital IMO.I say this forgetting the fact I wasn't expecting much as years ago I tried the same venture with disappointment of the out come.The constant snap ,crackle pop even on unplayed records,the hassle of having to get up every 15 minute to change the side,constant cleaning,setup of the table,all the bobbles needed to make it all go.I think to even come close to digital one must spend tons of money and tons of time.Im sure there are sytems that sound incredible,but at what expense and how much time devoted to it..Dont get me wrong its fun to play music that never made it to disc but anyone thinking alone these same lines as to recapturing what was once the only game in town,think long and hard.
missioncoonery

Showing 2 responses by backgroundblur

backgroundblur
57 posts
 
I have pretty humble setups both on the digital and turntable front, but I find myself listening to digital more often.

Though, when I feel like listening to something I haven't heard in years, and I just want to sit and melt away, I dig out the vinyl and enjoy it.

Although I agree that fiddling with vinyl is time consuming, I can't say I haven't fiddled with my digital playback just as much, if not more.  But, with digital, it's always been troubleshooting a problem, which I enjoy, but can be far more time consuming.

In the end, to me, my system is just a means for me to enjoy music.  There's no rule saying as an audio lover, you HAVE to enjoy vinyl :)  The system is there as a means for you to enjoy music.  If it's becoming a hurdle, then it's not really serving it's purpose.

With that said, I would suggest one last thing.  Try one more table.  Just one more.  Nothing fancy, and nothing more expensive...but it's entirely possible that the Scout sound is not your cup of tea.  Like, for example, if you want something that sounds more...say...refined, try a Clearaudio Concept.  If something more energetic, try a Rega RP6.  Shouldn't lose much if any money, since all three table sell for about the same.  I'm sure you tried a couple of dac's before you found the sound you wanted from digital.  And, if that next table is equally disappointing to you...then, well, at least you gave it an honest go, didn't waste any more money trying...and you can peacefully put it out of your mind for good :)
backgroundblur
57 posts
 
Fair enough man :)  sounds like you gave it a good go.  On the upside, it's always nice when you can focus on where you want to go, and I look forward to hearing about that.
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