Digital vs. LP

[Edward]

Been pondering this. Of course I've heard well set up digital systems as well as vinyl systems - both of which can sound incredible.

However what I have not experienced is a well set up digital source within the same system of a well set up vinyl source. That is using the same downstream items (preamp, amp, speakers).

Does anyone have such a system and if so what opinions of the resultant sounds?

Edward



Sent via Tapatalk

[Joe]

Been pondering this. Of course I've heard well set up digital systems as well as vinyl systems - both of which can sound incredible.

However what I have not experienced is a well set up digital source within the same system of a well set up vinyl source. That is using the same downstream items (preamp, amp, speakers).

Does anyone have such a system and if so what opinions of the resultant sounds?

I do. The vinyl front-end cost more than the digital front-end, partly because I bought the latter secondhand and the former new, but they are in the same ball park.

In my experience, the two are more or less on a par; good digital recordings sound great, and good vinyl recordings sound great too. Less-good recordings in both formats sound, well, less good. I only have a few recordings in both formats, so it's difficult to compare like with like, but providing the vinyl is in reasonable condition (and some of my vinyl records are knackered through over-playing on cheap systems) and the digital version hasn't been monkeyed about with too much, the differences between the formats are minimal.

[Ali Tait]

Would agree with this, though a new phono stage coming soon may change my mind..

Since getting a Mytek dac and now using Roon and Tidal, my digital front end has come on leaps and bounds, and certainly rivals the vinyl front end.

[Edward]

Thanks Joe, very interesting and your opinion that the differences are minimal. Of course the actual recording/mastering will make a huge difference. I've got a lot of digital stuff which was remastered during the so called 'loudness wars' where dynamic range compression was used making a lot of music I enjoyed in my vinyl days simply unplayable on CD. And then of course there will be lots of vinyl that will be badly pressed (or knackered as you point out).

A lot or the vinyl vs digital debate will be due to the many variables that creep in - so good to hear that you consider the differences minimal. What is your set up by the way?

Then there is the debate between Redbook vs. hirez. For me I detect a worthwhile difference between redbook and 24/96 but higher than that (say 24/192) I can't detect differences.

[Edward]

Would agree with this, though a new phono stage coming soon may change my mind..

Since getting a Mytek dac and now using Roon and Tidal, my digital front end has come on leaps and bounds, and certainly rivals the vinyl front end.

I wonder how much our perception of differences in sound is caused by our money investment in hifi equipment and upgrades? I'm always reminding myself that I'm just as vulnerable, probably more so, as others in respect of expectation bias.

[Marco]

Been pondering this. Of course I've heard well set up digital systems as well as vinyl systems - both of which can sound incredible.

However what I have not experienced is a well set up digital source within the same system of a well set up vinyl source. That is using the same downstream items (preamp, amp, speakers).

Does anyone have such a system and if so what opinions of the resultant sounds?

Edward

Hi Edward,

In short, yes, I have such a system and my views on the subject are well documented in the archive. Best have a search to save me repeating myself again, on a subject that's been discussed here many, many times.

However, if you have any specific questions on the matter, I'll endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability

Marco.

[Edward]

Hi Edward,

In short, yes, I have such a system and my views on the subject are well documented in the archive. Best have a search to save me repeating myself again, on a subject that's been discussed here many, many times

Marco.

Woo - you have set me a massive task there Marco - searching through your 71k messages.

No you are right - I ought to have done some searches first. But I'm gonna take a wild guess here, judging from your signature, you think vinyl is heavenly and digital is the spawn of the devil. Just joshing here btw. I'll have a look more deeply.

[Ali Tait]

I wonder how much our perception of differences in sound is caused by our money investment in hifi equipment and upgrades? I'm always reminding myself that I'm just as vulnerable, probably more so, as others in respect of expectation bias.

Not much in my case I like to think, most of my kit is secondhand and/or tweaked/ fettled by myself. Would be fairly even expectation in any case, since my cartridge and my dac are two items I bought new and are about the same retail price.

[struth]

Woo - you have set me a massive task there Marco - searching through your 71k messages.

No you are right - I ought to have done some searches first. But I'm gonna take a wild guess here, judging from your signature, you think vinyl is heavenly and digital is the spawn of the devil. Just joshing here btw. I'll have a look more deeply.

you must have missed ...

Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 transport/DAC. Raspberry Pi-3 Model B and IQaudio Pi-DAC+/Paul Hynes SR3DR-05 linear PSU/Williams Audio NAS linear PSU.

lol few bobs worth there if he didnt like digi

[RobbieGong]

I'll ad mi tuppence worth

In my experience (for what it's worth) both can be very good as it's music after all.

I've played tunes extensively via both.

I settled with the Pioneer PD91 in terms of cd because as well as being a gorgeous piece of kit, it is regarded for having an 'analogue' presentation ie: not so hard/glassy digital sounding as can be the case.

It's a great cdp, however it doesn't get a look in be honest as my vinyl replay is what I always find myself reaching for, it just moves me in a way the digital as good as it is doesnt.