2. analog
  3. 140184-113812

Turntable got absolutely crushed by CD

Long story short, i've just brought home a VPI classic 1 mounted with a Zu-Denon DL103 on JMW Memorial 10.5 with the appropriate heavier counterweight. Had everything dialed in..perfect azimuth, VTF, overhang, with only a slightly higher than perfect VTA. Levelling checked. All good. 

I did a comparison between the VPI and my Esoteric X03SE and it's not even close. The Esoteric completely crushes the VPI in all regards. The level of treble refinement, air, decay, soundstage depth and width, seperation, tonality, overall coherence is just a simply a league above from what I'm hearing from the VPI. The only area the VPI seems to be better at is bass weight, but not by much. 

I'm honestly quite dumbfounded here. I've always believed that analogue should be superior to digital. I know the Esoteric is a much pricier item but the VPI classic is supposed to be a very good turntable and shouldn't be a slouch either. At this point I feel like I should give up on analogue playback and invest further in digital. 

Has anyone had a similar experience comparing the best of digital to a very good analogue setup?

Equipment:
Esoteric X03SE 
VPI Classic, JMW Memorial 10.5, Zu-DL103
Accuphase C200L
Accuphase P600
AR 90 speakers

Test Record/CD:
Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing (Redbook vs MOV 180g reissue)



chadsort
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
edgewear, there are a number of variables involved in the physical CD itself that affect the sound. These variables are independent of the recording and the CD mastering. The physical CD variables include, but are not completely limited to, transparency of the clear layer, the reflectivity of the metal layer, the colors of the CD label, the accuracy of the CD circumference roundness relative to the spindle hole, the accuracy with which the pits and lands are placed on the disc during manufacture. The degree to which scattered background CD laser light degrades the sound can be affected by coloring the physical disc and or the disc player tray.
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
368 posts
 
Perhaps, geoff...but, in my opinion, it is rare that any of these "variables" exist in sufficient magnitude to effect the audio signal sent to the speakers.  And, if they do, the human hear cannot detect whatever difference these "variables" might make.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Well, good for. You have an opinion.
iamhe
31 posts
 
n80:

For me part of the journey is having fun researching different gear to include auditioning. Buying previously owned is also an option as long as you make informed purchases.

I would not focus on buying an anolog source to out proform CD’s but to achieve a level of anologe audio you can enjoy. There are some really excellent Vintage turntables that out proform many modern decks, if spec mean anything.

With a level of risk and patients you can source good deals on excellent used cartridges and a variety of other analog gear. Of course buying new is alway preferred but from what I have read sometimes expectation aren’t meant.


uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
N80

Agree that there are CDs and then there are CDs. I spend a fair amount of time researching which $6 CD to get. It pays off. Just like it does with vinyl but at $6 I’m way below what you pay for even average vinyl and around 1/3 the cost of HD Tracks stuff.
I guess I am very fortunate to have one of the best and most fairly priced LRS in the USA on my doorstep.
I can buy endless as new vinyl at $4 to $8 a pop that only need a wipe down to play.
Now their bargain bin $1 boxes also hold some gems that yes require a fair bit of cleaning but hey $1 a LP or 2 as got a lot of double albums out these bins too.

I have paid more dollars for vinyl I just had to have to complete a collection that is uber rare but that is the exception not the norm for me.

Good vinyl at fair prices IS out there as long as you use logic not emotion when buying.
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