How can we settle for digital?


My friend, a recording engineer, once made a remark when I told him I had spent $3000 on a CD player. He said "How far can you polish a turd?" Those I know in the music business all agree that digital can only go so far. Vinyl is certainly making a comeback, but the advent of new digital formats seems to perpetuate new hope on the part of audiophiles. Do you buy it? Or are you sticking with your records? Or will you stand up for your $3000+ CDP? Is it just polishing a turd?
chashmal
I have Accuphase amplification and an Arcam CD192 cd player and a vinyl rig too (project deck and an Benz silver cart.) they both sound great, The Arcam is just as good as the record player, if not better.
CD already has come of age, and I'm glad.
If your cd player does not sound great,buy an Arcam!
AFile - I'm glad you've enjoyed listening to the same records every week for 50 years. Most of us like a bit more variety than that, but I suppose if I didn't listen to anything made after 1958, I wouldn't be too interested in digital either.
PS- Mr. Feil - Don't take my previous post too seriously. Just verbal sparring in good fun. Regarding my post questioning the 3000 plays, it was meant to be a challenge to your assertion, but not an attack on your character. To me, 3000 plays seems unusual (does it to you?), so that's why I questioned it. I never said it was impossible, just offered some real possibilities to show the magnitude of plays required to hit 3000. Even at 1.2 plays / week for 50 years (your numbers), that's a lot of listening to the same record. But if you enjoy it, that's cool. Peace.
Chashmal, I will have to stand up for my $3000+CDP. It usually comes as close to analog, and at times, clearly better than my analog set up. I enjoy both.

Digital is not just polishing a turd. I don't blame you though. I have auditioned many 'Ref' digital set ups ( >> $3000 CDP) and while they are marginally better, it would have you conclude that digital is indeed polishing a turd. But there are some low priced CD players and Ref systems (Zanden, AN and Kondo for example, which may be considered 'low tech' by many by current SOA standard) that does stand head above shoulder from the rest of the pack.
Disclaimer: I have not heard the newer offerings from Playback Design and Lector