I gave up the idea of using a turntable after breaking my neck in 1990 and got almost totally paralyzed(no finger/hand use, just clubs on very weak arms).

Bottom line, is there an advantage in sound quality, analog over digital? I know they tweak what goes on CD's, and haven't heard analog in 25+ years. If I do go for a TT, it will only be used for recording R to R (unless there is an advantage to recording my own CD's?).

This might be a huge debate, maybe not. Hoping for a simple answer.

Thanks again, Matt

Analog doesn't have ALL the advantages over CD. Notably, CD has the ease of use. Plop it in and play... Done.

There is much more to analog than that and you probably remember with your neck being broken an all. But I think what's most important IS the sound. When you listen to a record or a tape, you're hearing exactly what came out of the instrument and vocalist then into the microphone out onto tape, finally it's etched into vinyl. That etched vinyl is an exact replication of that varrying sound chain.

Let's not forget that our own human ears are an anaolg system!

Analog sounds very natural and pleasing to us...naturally! CDs can sound very unnatrual and harsh because that digital sound is basically a representative of a fake, if you will. There's no fooling all those years of evolution!

So, in short...analog is king and always will be. It's natural it's beautiful.

Get back into it. You will not regret it.

-Mike

Thanks, Mike, that's my instinct on the matter. When I can see Jimi Hendrix' fingers starting and stopping on a DVD, it's obviously digital. DVD slo-mo sux on them great uuh videos, also. :naughty:

Well, here we go, back into the analog world... maybe I'll find what's been missing. Sure hope I get some good answers on my other questions. :thmbsp:

Matt

Seeing you have generally vintage gear, the same doesn't follow suite with vintage CD gear. Most sound absolutely horrible. CD Playback does sound impressive provided you are listening to a good unit.

With Analog, the same rules apply that were in effect 30 years ago. That is, LP's need to be kept labratory clean in order to get the most out of them. Don't expect an older Sansui, Pioneer, or Technics Table to come even remotely close to a once Stereophile Class A Rated Meridian 508.24 CD Player

Deciding to get into Analog again will mostly depend on if you have a substantial enjoyable collection that's just going to waste. If you have six LP's in your collection, I'd definitely think long, and hard whether it's worth the hassle, and expense.

Now perhaps you're thinking I have no use for analog, and evidently this is not the case, as I have around $6000 invested in my main Analog set up (VPI HW-19 Mk-IV, AQ PT-8 Arm, Benz Glider, Sutherland Phd Phono Amp)

Once certainly doesn't have to spend a ton of money to enjoy Analog, as a decent table-arm-cartridge combo should provide enjoyment provided the LP's are in decent shape. Your system sounds good enough to reveal the wonderful nuances, and sonics that are on analog.

Something like a Music Hall, Rega, VPI HW-19Jr would be a good economical Table, that are usually much better than much of the plastic junk from yesteryear.

This means a manual Table, one where you must get up as the LP nears it's end to lift the tonearm. There's no conveniences like sitting on the couch, and hitting a remote control like with CD.

The advantages to recording to R-R with analog will be the ability to play at jet airplane volume levels without the introduction of feedback, rumble, and of course with either format, one then has the ability to record a medley to thier fav tunes. Otherwise there's no real advantage to recording CD onto Tape, as you'll be raising S-N ration, and the background noise floor. (Tape hiss)

The important criteria is are you willing to invest in analog, and roughly how much. If it's a shoddy $15 Table from a garage-yard sale, this just ain't going to compete with modern digital gear. Mark