Vinyl vs Streaming

Everyone should have both and find the way to enjoy them that fits their lifestyle.  Here is how I use mine.  I read a review in a music publication of a record or cd or group that intrigues me.  Often as not these days it is possible to stream that recording, or at least sample it online.  If I like it, I buy and add it to my collection.  As a collector of old jazz, I can tell you that there is a lot of music that I am interested in that is not available streamed.  There often is something in traditional jazz that if I can find it on vinyl is hundreds of dollars.  Too, the record that costs hundreds is all scratched up.  But that same record might be available on cd, maybe bundled with other records by the same artist from the same era, for just a few bucks.  Sometimes these can be streamed too, sometimes not.  So, the collector needs to have flexibility.  The same thing applies to auditioning a group or artist before attending a live performance.  Being able to find a sample can be priceless. 

I see the question/debate regarding digital streaming vs vinyl pop up every once in a while, and every time I see it, I always have the same reaction........Yawning Lol!!!  Ultimately, how important is it to me what preferences others have when it comes to what particular medium they prefer listening to their music through?   Personally, I gave up vinyl 25 years ago.  I gave up CD about 5 years ago and built a top-notch digital streaming audio system, and haven’t given CD or vinyl a second thought since.  High-end audio is very personal, and the only thing that natters is the personal preferences of the individual.  So, it’s all about "What Ever Turns You On."  Nothing more, nothing less.  If vinyl still turns you on....go for it.  If streaming is your thing.......enjoy.  If you still listen to reel-to-reel, CD, or whatever, then why should it matter or concern others as to why you prefer listening to your music though a particular medium which they may not prefer?  All the above mentioned music mediums can sound absolutely incredible.  The diversity of all the various music mediums are all still here for us all to enjoy!!!!!   Happy listening.       

 if it's worth all the extra work

it's a fun hobby, not work

Analog for speakers: my room isn't well treated; I have DSP'd for digital sources, but the "distortion" and "noise" and "imperfection" from vinyl presents itself much better in the imperfect room. Vinyl is worth the extra work on my speaker system.

Digital for headphones: given the above, all my audiophile impulses are satisfied when listening to a well mastered piece with headphones. I can't get vinyl with headphones right--surface noise is just too much. But when I really want to zone into the music and turn the volume up, it's digital w/headphones. Don't really want to get up to flip a record with headphones on: happy to just sit and engage with Roon on the iPad while listening.
 

Yes, I consider vinyl is well worth any extra work involved. For me, it is enjoyable work anyway.

In my experience sound quality wise, vinyl and digital in all its forms have been leapfrogging each other for decades. Vinyl has been the ascendancy lately, but streaming is gaining ground.

Recently, I discovered that moving the server, a Roon Optimized Core Kit, ROCK NUC with SSD storage and the ethernet switch away from  satellite TV reciever was a big step forward for streaming. That led me to wonder if there was more I could do to close the gap with vinyl.

AI suggested that my ageing loudspeakers were optimised for vinyl and I should try adjusting the degree of digital room correction in the bass applied. At the same time, I toed in the speakers more in an attempt to lessen the effects of reflections from side walls. I also upgraded the ethernet cable between the switch and the server to a Melco C100.

The result was that in some ways streaming far exceeded vinyl. For example the bass was tuneful without a trace of being spoiled by room resonances - quite the most impressive that I've ever heard. Yet overall, vinyl remained more coherent and convincing. Depending on the nature of the music, some harshness remained in places with steaming.

However, I have more ideas to improve streaming. It is still a work in progress. Whether it will ultimately match vinyl I can't say at this stage. Regardless, I see the benefits of running both vinyl and streaming side by side as being different they complement each other.