Back to analog ..was it a mistake???


Like alot in the 1980s I went totally digital.Took my 300+ album collection and boxed them up never thinking I would venture back.My current digital system is about everything I always wanted.Black background,nice sound stage,fast,clean,detailed yet very musical.The speakers disappear and instument seperation is there and in the correct locations.Vocals are superb on all types of music IMO..
From strong suggestions from my bro I decided to try the analog approach again even though the analog systems Ive heard recently never came close to my setup.I bought a mid 1980s Linn lp12 and did some upgrades to it..Mose/Hercules2,new Akito2 arm,belt,oil,Denon DL160,cables..had it setup correctly.Bought a new Musical Surroundings Phono.Spent days cleaning records.What I have in sound is nothing short of a big dissapointment for the time and money spent.Forgetting the snap,crackle, pop which is very hard to get around the sound stage is nowhere to be found.The speakers no longer disappear,its like taking 10 steps backwards..Yea, I know the Linn isnt the beat all table as well as the phono but something is amiss here.Ive tried a few adjustments and things seem to become a little better but when I do the digital it becomes clear my analog attempt sucks.Am I expecting too much from my new investment back to analog???Is all this analog talk just talk from guys who never had a great digital system??Any positive imput or suggestions is appreciated..Thanks in advance
missioncoonery
Missioncoonery, it sounds like you've done your homework on the Linn LP12. Despite what is generally accepted on the Audiogon forum about the Linn, it is a good buy. Have you heard their new DC motor? There is one comparison on U-tube between the Lingo/ac motor and this. Many in the Naim camp believe that the new Linn setup(phono preamp)is better than the top-of-the-line Naim. Of course, I can't afford any of this, but it does point out that maybe the Linn is not the limiting factor that many believe.
Headsnappin!, my Linn was set up by my competent Linn Dealer, as were all of the upgrades and Mods. The dealer is very knowledgeable and kind. No complaints with the Linn service either. I am in Chicago, so it isn't difficult to figure out who did the work.

You need to chill and check out some other tables like Art Dudley (former keeper of the LP12 faith) did.

Best.
Norman

I'm also someone that abandoned vinyl for a while in mid 80's to mid 90's, but I have had a difference experience. I have a Linn LP-12 Valhalla and Dynavector 20xh cartridge. I also own a McIntosh MCD-301 SACD/CD Player (certainly no slouch)and I have literally owned dozens off other CD players and Turntables over the years. My CD player can not match the musicality, detail, involvement and overall satisfaction that the Linn and other good turntables can provide. There is definitely information missing with the digital format and I typically stop listening after 30-45min. All I know is that I have more fun and listen longer with Vinyl and to me that is what its all about. Also MHO is not based on nostalgic feelings for the vinyl format or enjoyment I get from handling it. I'm basically lazy and consider it more of a pain than anything else. After years of careful listening its difficult for me to understand how anyone could enjoy digital more than vinyl aside from the convenience.
Norman, the LP12 is not my only deck and is not my favorite deck. I just hear so much misinformation on the subject.