When does analog compete with digital?

Judging by the volume of responses, I was correct is my estimation that this might be a touchy subject...

It was interesting reading everyone's responses. Thank you to those who have contributed. Just to reiterate, I presently have NO intention of swapping out any components or experimenting with any 'tweaks' until I move the system to a more hospitable listening environment (just a few months away). I know without a doubt that my biggest obstacle is the room - reflective walls and speaker placement, being the most troublesome. Alas, that is beyond my control. Life happens.

That said, I'm always a bit skeptical when I read about the importance of isolation platforms. The speaker stands are spiked and, when playing a low volumes, there is very little vibration (if any) that would travel up the desk. Besides, in a tiny listening environment of 10x11, I would think airborne vibrations would be a greater problem. In which case, wouldn't the isolation platform be obsolete? I was told that isolation platforms, contrary to what some here have written, are a final tweak. It is only when everything else has been properly executed that one can hear the difference proper isolation makes. Thoughts?

I know experience is paramount to achieving optimal analog playback, but it's a bit difficult when you have no one to instruct you on proper procedure/maintenance. How would someone new to the hobby become an 'expert', so to speak? I invested quite a bit in my current rig, so I don't feel comfortable letting my clumsy fingers manhandle the thing. I've tried hunting around garage sales for an old TT to practice on, but no luck so far. Are there any (free) online resources that may be of use? Given all the conflicting information out there, it's difficult to siphon the truth from the BS. I kind of wish I could enrol in a course or something... just so I know the instructor is knowledgeable. I really hate relying on local dealers for simple things such as mounting a cartridge.

Great responses, keep 'em coming!

FYI, I posed the question to get a general sense of what others feel about the issue. My own personal view is that comparing analog to digital is like comparing apples to oranges - each have their own strengths and weaknesses. I prefer analog for simplistic music that emphasizes strings and vocals. Analog can convey a sense of emotion and warmth in a way that digital simply cannot. But, when it comes to more complex music, I much prefer the analytical sound of digital, which is more clear and 'in your face', so to speak. That said, I still think it's possible to compare analog to digital, in some sense - much in the same way that we can compare Leonardo to Edison... both were spectacular in their given discipline.

Concerning my analog front-end, it sounds amazing on some recordings (better than CD), but not so much on others. I'm still trying to pinpoint what, exactly, is amiss. Sometimes I think it lacks the ability to capture certain details or nuances, but that doesn't mean I want that digital sound either. Argh, it's so frustrating not being able to articulate what I'm hearing! As you can probably tell, I'm new to hi-fi, so I'm not well versed in the various (ambiguous/unintelligible) adjectives. That said, I've always suspected that the cartridge may be at fault. The Goldring 1012GX came free as part of a package deal, but I had my eye on the Benz Micro Ace S (M). With respect to the pre-amp, I actually like the Tube Box II. It offers the functionality of both MM/MC, plus it adds some warmth to the Nait 5i, which is very analytical.

Part of the problem - if it is a problem - is that I wouldn't classify myself as your typical audiophile. That is, I don't enjoy constantly swapping out components in search of 'audio nirvana'. I much rather save for a particular component that I know I will be satisfied with, then simply sit back and enjoy the music for years to come. Seriously. The problem is, it's difficult to audition all the different equipment (especially in your own home), so I don't know what component is the right fit for my system/tastes. I'm not made out of money either, so I don't have the option of switching back and forth. Given what I've written above, does anyone have the slightest clue as to what might be causing this 'discomfort'? I won't swap any components until I move to a more hospitable listening environment. The current room is 10x11, but I'm moving in September/October (thank God).

Finally, I realize that my analog/digital may have different sonic signatures (or what have you), but that was my aim. I want to play to the strengths of each. For instance, I like to spin Bright Eyes/Son House on vinyl, but rock out to the Black Keys on CD. If this makes no sense, someone please correct me!

Have a good one, people!

After reading my long-winded response, please allow me to clarify the initial question...

Suppose we are trying to compare wine and beer. Some say they are incomparable. However, we would certainly say that a very fine wine is much better than a stale beer. So, they are comparable in at least one respect - we can compare them according to their perceived quality, value, 'bang for buck', etc.

I would consider my digital front-end to be 'very good'. How much should one expect to pay to achieve the same level of performance from the analog side?

That's a general question open to all. It has nothing to do with my particular system/set up. I think it would interesting to hear the various responses...

But I would still like some feedback on my own predicament!