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Analog experiment

Hi everyone. Some of you will remember my post from a couple weeks back about trying out vinyl. My dealer setup that old AR for me and I listened to it for a while and then listened to the same records on a new Pro-Ject RM 6 SB with a Sumiko Blue Point #2 cartridge. I liked the Pro-Ject better so I took it home for an audition in my system.

I borrowed some basically new LPs from my dealer's collection. Most of them are the 180 gm. "audiophile grade" limited editions. I got U2 War, Eagles Hell Freezes Over, John Lee Hooker, Pink Floyd DSOTM and REM Document. I was familiar with all these and own the CD counterpart of each album for direct comparisons.

I carefully setup the turntable making sure it was level. My dealer has been selling turntables for decades so I trust the other adjustments. I used the C42 to level-match the outputs of my Sony C333ES SACD player and the Pro-Ject, again for fair direct comparisons.

I listened to each album on its own on the turntable and then I went back and played the Sony in parallel. I switched between the two sources from my listening chair. In this case, I would keep the turntable 40 seconds ahead of the Sony so every 40 seconds I could hear the exact same passage in digital form. Hearing memory is short so I kept the interval short. I also made longer comparisons to be sure of my thoughts.

The bottom line is that the Pro-Ject didn't sound any better than my Sony. They had exactly the same tonality and soundstaging. On DSOFTM in SACD, the Sony was virtually indistinguishable from the turntable. I couldn't believe it. This is the first time I can't hear a reliable difference between two different components.

With other records, the turntable seemed to have a slightly more extended and weightier bottom end. But then the Sony had slightly better definition so it was a wash. After these tests, I see no reason for me to go with vinyl. You think maybe the phono stage in my C42 isn't good enough? Or maybe the turntable should be a better one? Well then, I am even less interested in vinyl if that is the case. The Sony costs about $350 these days.

I am sure some of you will be upset with my decision but I have to say I was excited to try it out and I kept my outlook totally unbiased. I loved the looks of the Pro-Ject and my dealer has an awesome collection of vinyl for sale at really good prices so I wanted to tap into that. But I don't see any reason to do that now. Oh well!

Arthur
aball
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Pawlowski6132,

"If you're on the fence about going vinyl and you don't have a big collection, stick with CD." I just can't understand why people say that.

The whole digital thing is a conspiracy to get people to part with more money for less quality....the truth is out there. I read somewhere that CD's may have hidden encoded programs to control the masses... ;-)
flyingred
139 posts
 
Pawlowski6132, the reason I suggest someone with no LPs sticks with cd is because it is expensive to get a turntable/arm/cart that is better than a cd player. Add on a record cleaning machine and then start buying lps.

Sure the cheapest Project table has a nice analog sound and is more relaxing than a cd player, but it doesn't resolve as well. The same amount of investment would yield more pleasure in buying maybe a DAC or more cds.

Investing in a good turntable is more compelling for someone who wants to listen to their old lp collection or who wants to collect and play music that isn't available on cd.
jj2468
280 posts
 
Arthur,
For fun, take your Sony to your dealor and repeat the experiment exactly as you did at home on one (or more) systems other than what you have at home. Doing so will help determine whether your results are specific to your test setup or whether you prefer cd to vinyl in a more generalized manner. Then, trust your ears. I appreciate the test you did and look forward to the results of you taking your Sony to the dealor (if you choose to do so). Jeff
aball OP
1,994 posts
 
Jeff - That is a good idea and I will do that for sure. My dealer will love to hear the test as well - he is always up for comparisons.

Shardorne - you crack me up!

For the record, I don't prefer CD over vinyl. I prefer my Sony SCD-C333ES over the Pro-Ject RM 6 SB with Blue Point #2 cartridge in my own system and with my type of music.

Arthur
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Aball says

"However, I do know that many used LPs I have looked at in the past looked really rough and I don't see myself using them in a high resolution stereo."

Maybe the samples you saw were too rough, but often one does not really know until the stylus meets the vinyl. Of my 1000 or so records I would say that close to 90% were purchased used. Until I clean them and actually play them I still can't tell from looking at them how they will sound. Obviously, there are always exceptions and with experience I've learned how to pass by many that just aren't going to play well at all. But with most others it is not so simple. I have records that have scratches across them but when played don't make a sound. Then again, I have some that look perfect, and this includes some of those newly purchased audiophile pressings you mention, that have clicks and the occasional pop.

But I do understand your position because I've taken the same stance regarding SACD. I just can't see buying into that format when the selection is somewhat limited. That could change, but with the growing DVD-A selections I think that would make more sense for me. And I think DVD-A is much better sonically than SACD.

Anyway, I know I will always have analog and digital in my system. Good luck in your search and enjoy the journey!
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