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RE: Jonathan Valin on Digital vs. Analog in new TAS

Here I'm addressing the broader vinyl-vs-digital question and not this particular claim.

Meaning no disrespect to anyone, it's my understanding that there are many practical differences between vinyl and CD--different mastering with different limitations, the effects of the cutting system, etc.

In a 12-year-old forum post, Steve Hoffman talks about vinyl-versus-digital differences (Edit: He's referring specifically to RCA LSC-1817, mentioned by vinyl1 in a previous post): "It's distortion, but the good kind, tubes and out of phase top end starting around 8k. You'd thank that this would stink but it gives all of these old Living Stereo LP's that special breath of life that is not on the actual master tapes or work parts!

"Can that special sound be duplicated today? Sure. Kevin and I know how (the process would shock you) but it can be done..."

He doesn't address this, and I'm no expert, but it seems likely that it would be able to duplicate this effect in a high-resolution digital master--and thereby make a digital version that sounds as good as the record. Alternatively, a 24/96 or better needle drop can sound, to my ears, nearly indistinguishable from the vinyl original. That's one simple way of capturing those special vinyl-only characteristics (good and bad).

There's simply no reason to resort to esoteric philosophical arguments to explain why a vinyl recording sounds better to some people than digital. There are plenty of adequate practical explanations.

Cheers,
Jim



Edits: 03/12/17

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  • RE: Jonathan Valin on Digital vs. Analog in new TAS - Jim Austin 09:57:06 03/12/17 (0)

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