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Preserving the sound of the ultimate audio gear for future generations ...

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/17/arts/music/stradivarius-sound-bank-recording-cremona.html
erik_squires
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I used to listen to CDs as a convenience, much-preferring vinyl over the shiny discs. Now that the system is tweaked to the heavens and back, CDs are on an equal basis with my vinyl rig as far as sound quality goes.

Do they sound the same? Nope. CDs have lower noise, better dynamics, and more defined bass ... on good recordings. Vinyl has more of that human quality and the organic naturalness of live instruments ... on good recordings. 

Both mediums are close ... so close as to not be significant (on my system). 

If I were starting from scratch, and not surrounded by thousands of LPs collected over almost a lifetime, I would not buy a turntable or records. I wouldn't stream using a laptop either. It would be red-book CDs of the highest recorded quality, period.

Frank
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Should probably also add this since it's a big deal for me. I am a one source listener. I don't hook up my systems with more than one input and usually only have one input (meaning one set of RCAs) period on the unit.

I've always thought it funny that HEA made "Discrete" such a big deal breaking term yet didn't put the word into practice. Preamps using multiple inputs are not discrete Preamps.  

mg

han_n's avatar
han_n
104 posts
 
People tend to judge cd based on their experience, conveniently forgetting that it is often the DAC and/or transport being the limiting factor. A lot of CD's (when the recording has been done properly) will sound really impressive when using the proper equipment. One shouldn't reject the CD as a carrier, but should admit that it is indeed expensive to get the final result the way we like it. However for those who are willing to invest a few extra dollars, CD will sound fantastic.
erik_squires OP
15,647 posts
 
Hi @michaelgreenaudio

That’s not how I ever heard or have seen the term "discrete" used in HEA.


From my reading, and use, "discrete" is an abbreviation of "discrete circuits" which is the antonym of "integrated circuit." From a practical matter this means gain stages are built using individual transistors, rather than chip based op amps.


"Discrete" does not refer to the number of inputs, or to input switching capabilities. In home use, there's almost no need for "discrete inputs" since you only use one at a time.

Very rarely I have read of "discrete outputs" which refers to having multiple outputs which do not share circuitry and may even be isolated by independent voltage regulation stages.


Best,

E
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