I enjoy both and I think, immodestly, that my system is capable of high quality performance in each format. I recently upgraded my vinyl system from more modest components- just a week ago-so my long held opinions were not formed by trying to justify big expenditures. Each format offers its own compromises and experiences and I greatly enjoy both.
I stream using Qobuz and Tidal, with Roon. The variety and convenience is incredible. Anything you want at your fingertips for a few bucks a month. I've discovered dozens of musicians that I love through Roon. This would not happen with vinyl-I'm not buying records of artists I've never heard. So the ability to discover new music is, for me, a huge advantage. The sound quality is excellent with well-mastered music. No pops and crackles. High res likely a bit overrated but available. I'm able to build playlists just for my tastes. Its a great way to enjoy music. For these reasons, maybe 60% of my listening is streaming -its just so handy.
To my ears, as good as streaming is on my rig, a good pressing of a well mastered record sounds better-not night and day-but better. The music has a bit more gravity, is more palpable. I listen to Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane on the Acoustic Sounds reissue and I'm at a prime table at the Birdland Jazz Club in 1963. Streaming that music produces great sound, but a tad behind vinyl-to my ears.
The vinyl experience is different, of course. Less convenient-you have to get up and change records and avoid falling asleep. Tough on an old man. Crackle and pop on some used records. Can't make a playlist. More expensive.
But there is another side to the experience. Ownership of something tangible. The joy of finding a treasure while crate diving-recently found an original Ella record from the late 50s that cleaned up pretty good-that's cool to me. And maybe vinyl somehow stirs old memories. When I was a wee lad I had a very cheap little record player. My mom waited tables at a local bar-b-que joint. When the jukebox man changed the records every few months he would give my mom a stack of the old 45s because he knew I liked them. I felt like a king spinning last years hits on that tiny record player, so maybe vinyl evokes some of those good memories.
So, I love both formats and feel blessed to have this experience. I don't understand why Audiogon discussions (not just vinyl vs digital) often become so strident. I try to avoid that but I'm certainly not perfect in that regard.
Here's the thing, no matter what you think, no matter what measurements you cite, or which audiophile terms you use, or what equipment you own, or how experienced you might be, you can never prove my opinion wrong because there is something you can't do and that's hear one note of music through my ears. And in terms of how pleasing I find the sound, I can only say, with any authority, how it sounds to my old ears and addled brain. If one format or another sounds better to your ears, well, that's your truth, as they say.
That doesn't mean we can't have lively discussions about how we judge formats or gear, or music, that can be both fun and instructive. To my mind, however, once we accept the subjective nature of what sounds "best" the basis for an emotional response to a different opinion evaporates. Because you get to do what you want.
Really, if you find yourself hurling insults at people you don't know because they prefer a different way of listening to music, or different equipment, or have a different opinion of the importance of measurements, it may be time for some quiet reflection. Perhaps while enjoying the soothing tones of Johnny Hartman on the format of your choice.
That's just my opinion and I am often wrong. Sorry for the long post.
