Pros and Cons of "Staying with" Analog and Vinyl


After having various turntables over the last 40 years, I am seriously considering getting out of analog. The "vinylists" argue that analog playback sounds more natural, musical, and provides more of an emotional response. I have experienced this feeling several times while listening to my modest vinyl collection, and tend to agree....until I begin hearing pops, clicks, surface noise. I keep my vinyl generally clean and protected

However, after listening to the 40th anniversay edition of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" I am more convinced that analog is just not worth the time, money and, maintenance. The dynamics on new Aqualung are superb and there seems to be much more detail to what I remember of the Mobile Fidelity remastered recording

I have a modest analog set-up Rega P3-24 with their upgraded PS and the Dynavector 10X5 MC. I was on the verge of upgrading to the new Rega RP-6 which includes a newly design PS, and a choice of color plinths. Even with a generous trade-in value offered by the dealer, I would still be putting in about $1300 + which would get me into the Dynavector DV 20MKII ( above their 10X5.)

I personally don't see the value regardless of the sonic qualitative edge of analog. Maybe, the money could be spent elsewhere or not at all. BTW, I am not getting into computer audio, and am STILL not convinced that a BASIC DAC will bring me closer to analog sound quality. Members have recommended Peachtree's DACIT, and even the supposedly new and improved Musical Fidelity V-DAC II. I have a Rega Apollo player. A great sounding player, but it has its flaws.

Therefore, I would like to hear the pros and cons of staying with analog....or just dumping it. Thanks
sunnyjim
Lewm:
I agree with your statement about the early CDs and the Players. I first became aware of CD around 1985-86 in Germany. I could not afford the early players, but I had about 100 CDs before I finally got a player. I considered CD to be my prayers answered. My main audio goal was to get away from all that damn grinding click and pops and rituals in volved in playing a record. I started off thinking I would just buy classical CDs and continue with Jazz and Pop on LP. I didn't foresee the remaster thingy. I still have those first CDs. They still sound bad. I think Liszt was my first CD. Now, apparently true audiophiles can find tune their ears to hear some things and block out other noises / sounds. I cannot do that. A true audiophile can hear the difference between every amp in creation. Every piece or wire that exists. They can even hear power cords. And they get very picky about these things. But, they don't seem to hear all the shortcomings of LP. I don't get it. But it's all way above my pay grade. A Guy with a receiver and polks should not dare question the oracles. But to sum up: I listen to music. Not the gear, no critical listening, no sweet spot, no matching of components and all the rest. Just the music.
FWIW, I bought 15 LPs today all in excellent condition for $35. Much cheaper than drugs, motorcycles or hookers. Much safer too!
I went looking for my cd of dark side of the moon. Turns out I don't own one. Pulled out and cleaned the vinyl. It's playing now in front of me as I write. Lp12, Helikon, tubes....I couldn't be happier.

If I could magically turn everything into secure, hi-rez computer based digital, I would. But I don't have the patience to do it any of the available ways.

And such a rig wouldn't be cheap.

And I think that the lp ritual touches something from my history -- 51 now, still playing albums I bought when I was 12.

Sold a few albums when I hit 18 and got into jazz. Thought I was "over" some of the cornier parts of my rock collection, but years later wanted to hear Ambrosia sing "Nice Nice Very Nice" again. Had to track it down. May listen to it after the Floyd.

Own some modern big-money vinyl. It's mostly pretty great. The re-issue of some of the Roxy Music stuff is thrilling (among others).

What's my point? If you are actually listening to your rig -- whatever it is -- and enjoying it, be happy. If you have the money and inclination to go super digital, it's very convenient and I think it sounds as good as it is required to give immense pleasure. But if you have substantial vinyl and a credible rig, the cost of maintaining is much less than the cost (time and money) of the alternative.

YMMV and happy new year.
Rokdude-honestly it's not an us vs them situation. You seem to want to separate yourself as some modern audio Don Quixote. But, alas, your views about listing to the music is not special. We all listen to the music. All that is different is the way it reaches our ears. Try as you might, there is no right or wrong, better or worse. Ultimately, it's about the music.
It isn't "us vs them," it's both. For me, vinyl is still a more enjoyable experience, even with the occasional surface noise. I have a stereo copy of the amazing "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie" that at some points sounds like someone's making popcorn in the kitchen. It's still a dazzling recording.

Without question, CD players have come a very, very long way. The gap between vinyl and digital recordings, cued up on my turntable and CD player, isn't as vast as it once was. But it's still significant.

If I didn't have any vinyl, and were just starting out, I'm not sure I would bother with it. But if you have vinyl, I'm not sure why you would get out of a particular media, and replace those discs with CDs or hi-res downloads, when you already have them.

For me, I take my music in whatever form I have it in. I have the "Complete Riverside Recordings of Thelonious Monk" on vinyl, and still remember getting it, and not leaving the house for a weekend.

I also have some CDs that bring that same delight. It doesn't have to be a closed door, but rather, another open one.