Why vinyl

@simonb This part of life is something I lost and rediscovered by making my changes about how I interacted in and around my Audio Hobby.

To become a Hermit in relation to Audio as a Hobby proved for myself to be self enslaving. 

The change when made which resulted across the years to become a fully active Mingler. Such a socialness as an outwards expression from a person for their interest in Audio and Recorded Music. Proved to be a One Way Riad, leading to a expansive, inclusive and extensive range of experiences encountered.

The new  like minded individuals met, along with Audio Experiences being had, has been the Cornerstone for shaping my life around Audio. My outward expression has also brought into my life others who have their own Hobby's that can be quite beneficial to Audio concepts, and offers to assist with achieving a concept into a prototype are irregular offers, but when made very stimulating. 

As for friends and Music Sharing, I have a whole New Experience, good friends of old are gone, life deals those cards, things change. Today, friends are with Career  backgrounds in Law, Clergy, Medicine, Design, Retail, Construction. Most musical encounters for me over many many years have been so off the radar to what I would listen to. Today through a retired Clergyman, I listen to Choral Music on a SP10R > Glanz 12" > Miyajima Cart' with all Valve Input / Out Put Phon' and Valve Amplification > ESL Speakers and am a total convert, to the point I have a profound change to the music. This experience is not limited to Choristers.

As the antithesis others have been introduced to the Blues and Rock, and why not. Brahm's to Gary Moore all in a afternoon  

On the subject of Friends made with little interest in audio, but recignise my enthusiasm and how their own hobby interests might appeal. I have been recently contacted by somebody who has expanded their interest in 3D Printing.

For my purchasing powders (this is all new to me) there is now the initiative in place as a free service, to produce Arm Wands and Fore End and Rear End connections as a 3D Print, using a selection of Powders inclusive of Carbon, possibly extending to Magnesium. Where the produced parts will be substitute parts for the Tonearm I use. The Tonearm Designer who will receive all produced parts, is totally overwhelmed with what is offered as a means to learn where betterment can be found for exchanging materials. 

Does it keep my young who knows, it does keep me out of the Gym.

Why Not Vinyl

As a extension to such a wonderful Topic and keeping the focus on Vinyl.

Why not Vinyl - Albums have become increasingly unavailable in the Vinyl Medium.

Why not Vinyl - Down Sizing, there are methods to have a Substantial Album Collection (1000's) and the Album replay equipment in a Space smaller than a commonly seen and used Turntable design.

Why not Vinyl - Need to regularly show a concern for the maintenance of critical mechanical interfaces and Parts Wear on the Cart' > Tonearm > TT. 

Why not Vinyl - Need to show concerns for the Alignment of the Stylus when supplied from the Manufacturer (accuracy of Stylus Mounting on the Cantilever)  Other Geometry Settings that must be extremely accurate when being locked in place when achieved

Why not Vinyl - The need to invest in very expensive alignment ancillaries or alternatively expensive Software. Or use Professional Services to assist with the creating the condition for the Geometry, that one feels is most optimal for the Trilogy of Ancillaries being used for the replay of Vinyl.

@pindac 

Why Not Vinyl

A few years ago, I gave up vinyl for good logical reasons not unlike the points you outline. Yet, I missed so much about it including the sound so now it’s back.

I have a music server with downloads, ripped cds, sacds, etc. and Qobuz, too. Streaming is great. But, there’s something indefinably special about vinyl records. 

It’s not a completely rational thing and that’s exactly as it should be. There’s a connection that’s not there with streaming for all its good points. Plus, records are something I share with friends and my kids. They give pleasure and no further justification is required.

Blind reverend Gary Davis

What a guitar player! I used to try to play some of his tunes, but never got anywhere near his sound.

Did you know why ?

Gary Davis never merely played guitar...

He baptized his guitar with a Christian name like a person and he spoke to her  when playing asking her to answer...

Difficult to compete with this interaction...

His albums were my only one with few John Lee Hooker and Billie Holliday  in blues singing or jazz singing when i was very young ignoring  in a snubbish" way that jazz even exist...

In the three case here i was mesmerized by the voices more than by the music...

I was a human voice  music explorer but not in the popular flow except few exceptions... more into religious and classical...

Nowadays i appreciate jazz from  all over the world ...

When you own a very bad system/room you listen only what you are in love with ...(Bach)

it was my case till a decade ago when i learn how to optimize my system...

 Back to blind reverend Gary Davis his singing was not an act but a deep gesture from which his guitar playing was the resonance ...

@mahgister

It’s long overdue for me to revisit Rev Davies’ work, both the ragtime/blues and the religious side which I don’t know so well. Like so so many of my generation I preferred the Devil’s music back in the day. I am more open minded now - my soul may be damned, but I can still enjoy righteous music.

Having said that, one of his religious songs, There's a Bright Side Somewhere became something of an anthem for me because it symbolised my wife's struggle with cancer.

When you own a very bad system/room you listen only what you are in love with ...(Bach)

That’s the great thing about having a good hifi, it enables you to enjoy a wide range of unfamiliar music. Genre no longer matters so much.