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Streaming Is To Audio What Red Plastic Cups Are To Wine

Unpacking and going through my vinyl collection, it occurs to me that vinyl is it, whereas streaming is Audio’s red plastic cup.

The best wines taste low-shelf in the red plastic cup. Yes, the red plastic cup is cheap and convenient, just like streaming. Wine should feel the same regardless of the vessel - it’s the same wine - but it does not. So should music - but it does not. Streamed music may sound (nearly) as good as vinyl, but it feels... disposable. Vinyl does not. Vinyl is the thing. Vinyl is it! Just my opinion, of course.

devinplombier
hjdca's avatar
hjdca
248 posts
 

@devinplombier 

I was like you, streaming did not compare to vinyl or even CDs...  However, after I completely upgraded my digital side, I have changed my mind.  Streaming from a service like Qobuz is outstanding.  If somebody comes over to hear my system, I have no problem showing it off with streaming.  I do not require vinyl for the sound anymore. It is all about the music, and all the new music I can hear with a Qobuz account has changed the game regarding my experience.  For me, through all the years,  it was by far the best upgrade I have done.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,984 posts
 

It really depends on gear being used if you have a really good dac and streamer your streamed music may outperform your vinyl rig

akg_ca
2,479 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

+2    Yep ….. especially in a high-resolution performance audio system. There’s a reason why the exhibitors at the audio fests favour them. (… it's not driven primarily by content availability  …j

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,318 posts
 

A good friend of mine has a $25K analog setup and a $500 streamer, but still insists on telling me how digital is inherently inferior to vinyl.

dayglow
2,445 posts
 

 Last July I heard the debut of the Wilson Sabrina V loudspeakers streaming was on dCS gear. I was able to play several tracks of Ann Burton- New York State Of Mind which ended up having superior SQ using my Japanese pressed CD on my home system. Yes, only 1 example but 99% + digitally streamed files have much poorer SQ than the Ann Burton recording. Also consider 99% + of Audiophiles do not own digital gear on the level of dCS. Streaming music at audio shows is used strictly for convenience nothing else.

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