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Would never give up my vinyl
Downloads are taking off and it has been 25 years since CD was launched, yet audiophile demand for turntables and vinyl continues unabated. When did you last spin a record?
I've never argued the superiority of good vinyl played back on a good phono front end. Problem is, good vinyl is few and far between. I'm more interested in playing good music -- in whatever format. The mediocrity of CD playback will have to do for now. I look forward to SACD to break some ground -- it's like vinyl without the compromises.
I really like BOTH formats -- vinyl and CD(played on a highest level system) -- it is fun to hear details and stage and color in both, though they are different. Well, every live concert is different, too, isn't it? That's just the fun for me in listening to music. Of course ther isn't such a thing like ONE best format!
The better sounding cds always make the process of actually playing an lp(not to mention their upkeep)seem a needless exercise in futility. And in all honesty,I've no lps that I don't think can be improved by a cd issue-in theory. However,since the bulk of my collection is invested in jazz,latin and blues lps-and with that investment becoming more valuable as cds go in and out of circulation,I can say I'm enjoying them more even though I may be playing them less!Knowing the majority of what I treasure will never BE available on anything other than vinyl,makes me appreciate them all the more. And let's not forget the covers-Reid Miles,Francis Wolff,Lee Friedlander,David Stone Martin; modern technology has yet to find anything to top that. And,undoubtedly, never will...
I elimated my record deck over 5 years ago, but had stopped buying vinyl some years before that, as any sound quality benefits were outweighed by the difficulties of obtaining it, the premiums I was expected to pay, and the pseuds I had to deal with to get it.
If I can, I only listen to Vinyl. Reason, it outplays any digital shit. you should listen to an opera and here an turkish drum. That sound you never will here with any digital, "even the best of the best as they say". Digital stinks. Also SACD and DVD-A, they don't make tapes in that norm, but they upgrade the old tapes. So people want to be deceived. Also I have the impression that the magazines are paid by the companies to promote this kind of shit. I hope that somebody of any magazine have the guts, to tell the truth. I will be the first to buy digital when it is better than analog (vinyl).
I hate to be a goddamned (cancel my subcription!!!) babe in the woods,but putting together an audiophile vinyl set up is a daunting proposistion. I just dont want the work thats involved. From record cleaning to tone arms, plinths, azimuth adjustments,blah,blah,blah.Then when you get it all right, youre back to flipping records again, Though I must admit, I feel I'm missing out on something special by not having one. Butt, I like my ass parked,thank you very much.