Progression?

[John]

I was wondering how far we have really advanced in terms of equipment design, for example how much difference is there between a cost no object Turntable for the 70s or 80s to now, Have we truly progressed or is mostly just better packaging.
I can see over the last 5 years computer audio has taken off, so this is one area, but is a top rate Transport and DAC of yesterday better than a top rate computer based audio system. I do know in terms of performance and value a good DAC with some form of hard drive and server is capable of sounding pretty good to my ears.
I think one of the biggest changes is our understanding of how to get the best of Vintage equipment. By upgrading crossovers its possible to get Monitor Golds competing with some of the very best speakers in the world. In the past Open Baffles had issues with the bass but now people understand how to overcome these issues and also have a very high performance to cost ratio.. Turntables like the 1210 and GL75 can be modified to perform at very high levels of performance.
So have we truly developed over the last 30 years?

[Haselsh1]

'They' always say that history is destined to repeat itself. I guess we just call it 'retro' and accept that ultimately, it's better than all of the new fangled latest wizardry. For me personally, analogue will always be better than digital and complexity will always be better than convenience. I do not do things just because they are convenient, I do it because it is better. Better to my ears and better to my pocket. I do not follow things just because they are digital and therefore 'clearly' superior. I honestly believe we have gone nowhere in terms of advancement and may even have taken a huge step backwards all in the quest for convenience. What ever happened to a challenge in the quest for quality...?

[Clive]

I think digital "perfect sound" did analogue a favour. It at least provided a benchmark for a sound that is relatively uncoloured (or at least flat 20Hz - 20Khz). In the 70's there were many examples of lovely (or otherwise) turntable sourced sounds but they were hopelessly distant from "the truth".

I don't believe modern technology delivers any better sound than was possible in the past but it's taken us many years to weed out wheat from the chaff.

[Ali Tait]

Yes indeed.I've read that it was the development of cd that forced the turntable manufacturers to greater heights of fidelity to stay competitive.

As for loudspeakers,I think we've gone backwards if anything.

[chris@panteg]

I think for me , i have a kind of stubborn determination to keep playing and using vinyl ! whether its better or not is not really the point .

You see there are many now who have gone over to Streaming only systems , no cd or vinyl and i just refuse to go that route ! better or not , i will keep buying cd and lp as long as i can.

So maybe its head in the sand ! but with my passion for vinyl , its not just the sound but the mechanics and how they work , not forgetting the music of course .

[colinB]

I recently bought a new A series Walkman , seduced by the marketing blurb of "pure sound" from the internal all digital amp. Lets try out a modern binary sound i thought plus you can record iplayer.
The truth is it very noticeably distorts. Im going back to my wow and flutter thanks very much.

[Ali Tait]

I've heard some very good digital,but I've to hear the best vinyl I've heard bettered.

[Clive]

My streaming set up is really quite good, even though it's "only" 7520 based. Certainly it's good enough to really enjoy. My vinyl rigs sound better but the clincher is that I grew up with turntables, I'm attached to them emotionally and I enjoy using them.

This is a lifestyle / preference thing mainly but as per the original question floated by John, there really isn't much new that sounds any better than was possible in the past. Some of the new gear may be as good but using more modern technology, or more likely cheaper technology.

[quadsugdenman]

I agree with Clive in that digital has set a benchmark that is neither better nor worse than previous annalogue systems in that it has allowed us to become more discerning when making judgements. However the convenience factors with digital add to the positive aspects of the format for many millions of people.
Nonetheless until I hear a conclusive advantage in using streamed music over vinyl or even good cd sources, I will keep putting vinyl onto a turntable or putting the silver discs into a cdt.

[colinB]

I might be kidding myself but i think my modern sounding rotel 1062 amp with its slit foil caps and custom made toroidal blah blah blah gels really well with my valve Icon pre , which looks East German circa 1962.
I like to think its just good designers working with whats to hand ,modern or vintage ,and making it work for the ears and not the head.
Sorry if im spouting rubbish. Ive had two expressos this morning.