HD Down Load compared to Analog.



Lately, I've been comparing HD Down loads to "analog". The obvious first advantage is no pops and ticks, but that's just for old records. Another advantage for me personally is that I don't have class "A" analog, I have class "B", which is very good. I still use Stereophile magazine's ratings of equipment as a way of conveying how good a piece of equipment is. While folks here put that method of conveying how good a piece of equipment is, they still concur with it, and they don't even know it.

Class "A" analog is the best, and it's always very expensive. You have to have 100% class "A" in the chain to yield class "A" sound, which is why I have Class "B".

In my comparison evaluation, I used Santana "Abraxas" as the test LP. Since I've worn out 5 copies of this album, to say I'm familiar with it is an understatement. "Singing Winds And Crying Beasts" is the first cut, it has "tinkly" sounding chimes that test definition on all equipment. After listening to a new LP, I gave it an "A" rating. This meant the HD Download would have to be some kind of fantastic to top the LP.

As soon as the music began, it became apparent the HD Download was superior; there was a "jet black" background. This is something I had never heard before. I'm fully aware of the fact that's an "oxymoron". "How can you hear what you don't hear, and you have never heard before". Only an audiophile can understand that, consequently, I won't try to explain it. After only two cuts, I gave the HD Download an "A+" rating.

While I have Class "B" analog, if you have Class "A" analog, it might be better than the Download, I don't know. These are the results from my comparison, I would like to hear yours.
orpheus10

Tonywinsc, I don't know what you're waiting for? After your wait you'll still be faced with the same options and decisions. With HD you can have Class "A" audio through your computer. This is the same as if you had Class "A" analog gear. That's why I said those who have Class "A" analog gear may not be impressed. In regard to the variations in records, that's not going to change. The HD is going to vary with the record it's copied from.

Enjoy the music.

Peterayer, your situation is identical to mine. I'm going through my collection and replacing old (scratched) records with HD Downloads. Your use of records and mine might even be the same, this is not a case of this or that, but both.

Enjoy the music.
I'm waiting because have heard only one HD DAC source. I haven't had the time to research more or find another store to hear other units for comparison. It also gets a bit bewildering figuring out the best way to get from the computer to the preamp. e.g. USB, jitter reduction boxes, firewire, BNC, etc.
Orpheus 10, I don't think our situations are identical. I don't listen to digital. For me it is not a case of this or that. It is only a case of that, ie. analog LPs.
Dear Orpheus10/friends: I'm a rockie on digital and my ignorance level to high.

I would like to know which the difference in quality performance and why between the HD Down Load alternative against a DVDA disc ( native 24/192 recording. ) played in a normal/universal CD player that came with 32/192 DACs?

Appreciated, thank's.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.