I have a lot of vinyl that I've collected at thrift stores, garage sales, even record shop over the years. Most of my records cost about a dollar but some I've paid somewhat more. I listen to mostly classical and the cheap ones from thrift stores are often in pristine condition. I have a quite good analog setup: Michel Orbe TT, Graham 1.5 arm, Lyra titan cartridge retipped by Soundsmith, Lehman Decade phono preamp. My best records sound wonderful on my Electrostatic speakers. I have digital remasterings of some of the great recordings that sound good on my better than average but not world class CD player. However, the records sound better (Reiner, Scheherazade, Also Sprach Zarathustra, Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra). I have a lot of records that don't sound very good, not well recorded. Most of my CDs are less awful but still not as good as better records. Since I am a classical musician I listen to the great recordings but also listen to average recordings often because I'm into the music as much or more compared to the audiophile experience.
What sounds best: Vinyl or CDs
My system in an introductory level of high end music reproduction, I realize. I like music, not so much gadgetry so I am content, although I keep tweeking from time to time trying to get better sound. Martin Logan ESL mains, Def. Tech 800 subs (2), NAD C375BEE Int. Amp, Project Debut Carton turntable w/Ortofon Red cartridge, Yamaha S300 CD player (with a Rega Apollo R player on order), Niagara 1000 power conditioner. My question/concern is this: My CDs sound Sooo much better than my vinyl albums. My vinyl collection is substantial, from the '60s through the '80s, with all in great condition. But on my system CDs are more volume sensitive, with more dynamics and depth. Is this normal or am I missing something in my system? I had originally thought, "Oh well, they are 40+ years old with 40+ year old recording technology". But is there more? I have even gone to point of buying the CD if there is a particular vinyl I want to listen to frequently. Comments?