1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 167679-89202

Listening to digital and analog

Assuming there is a difference in the nature of analog sound compared to digital sound (as I do,) there are different ways of listening to each.  To me, analog is more textured and real sounding, (some, or many  may not agree)  but does that mean it’s not possible to enjoy digital sound?  On the contrary, I must adapt a different way of listening that doesn’t actively compare the two.  If one keeps the analog ideal always in mind, it makes it difficult to appreciate digital music. Therefore I have to block that ideal from my mind and listen to digital on its own terms. It must generate its own reality.  Only then, can I sit back and enjoy.
rvpiano
jssmith
342 posts
 
Analog is technically inferior to digital, but is often recorded with better dynamic range due to the modern loudness wars of digital. I sold all my analog, but when I listen to my friend's, I have to change my listening to ignore the snap, crackle, pop and hiss.
jji666
657 posts
 
People don't want to hear this, but good digital takes an entirely different skill set. Not unlike analog, you cannot just spend your way to good sound.  There are things you need to understand to do it well, but the logic is different from analog, and may even seem counter-intuitive to an analog lover.

I suspect that many people that post the superiority of analog, really have not been able to set up a digital system that is "analogous to analog" if you get my meaning.  

I'm not saying digital is superior either. It's certainly more convenient.  Both are good.  I get outstanding sound from various digital gear.  
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,735 posts
 
Just digital for the garage ? Guess I will put the Nakamichi and B and O on the auction block….


rcbashaw52's avatar
rcbashaw52
9 posts
 
I think it was John Atkinson who had a master tape (analog) transferred to a digital master, and also mastered onto a vinyl record! In his comparison of the three he said, the master tape and the digital copy sounded exactly the same, while the record made his knees go weak! I think many equate records with analog (which it is), but records add a special something as though the music is recreated a second time at the stylus tip with an intimacy, an “engagement “ with the original musical event that digital subjectivity is lacking!
mglik
916 posts
 
A few years ago, I spent 3 days in rapt attention listening to a mid 6 figure computer sourced (using Master Class soft wear) helping with a room at THE Show in Las Vegas (Daniel Hertz).
It was about the most amazing SQ I have ever experienced.
However, it was an intellectual not a visceral one.
With my analog system, I “get weak in the knees”.
Listening to vinyl grabs my emotions and puts me into a meditative space. Sure, great digital can be a great experience. But I take analog every time.
More to discover