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In Reply to: Re: Being real...Loving the sound of CD posted by John Elison on April 18, 2007 at 18:30:00:
How much have you invested into your digital front end if I may ask?Many people compare vinyl to digital on this board but not many mention the cost of comparison. Are we comparing $20,000.00 CD players to 20,000.00 Turntables? Or best buy turntables to best buy digital?
I really doubt that folks with low end turntables are really passing digital sound.(Even the sound of cheap CD players) I know this thought may not be popular on this board, but I have feeling it's a bit more "real" than many of the fantasies people have here.
Follow Ups:
ok, here's three data points. Of course YMMV. We all have our preferences and if you prefer digital - I say go for it. We don't all have to think the same way.1) My current vinyl front-end (VPI Scout with Sumiko Celebration cartridge) and my current CD front-end (Classe CDP-100) cost roughly the same, and are connected to the same pre-amp, amps and speakers. Interconnects are the same (although CD one is balanced and turntable one is RCA). I prefer the vinyl.
2) My prior turntable (Project 1 Xpression) was considerably less expensive (about $400), with a very inexpensive cartridge (about $30), and much less expensive interconnects (don't remember). All else in the system was the same as above. It's what got me into vinyl, because the sound was SOOOO deliciious.
3) At my dealer, I listened to a Meridian 808 (MSRP - $13,000) versus a VPI Scout/Sumiko Celebration cartridge (MSRP about $3000) on a system with $10,000 of amps, $5000 of pre-amp, $20,000 speakers, $11,000 speaker cables, $5000 of interconnects. It was close, but I preferred the vinyl.
rlindsa - new vinyl freakThere are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. (Albert Schweitzer)
"It was close, but I preferred the vinyl."I have many albums that I've used for A/B testing vinyl vs. CD. I've also invited many people to my home to show how great vinyl can sound. (They are always amazed how hard it is to tell the difference. untrained ears really struggle to guess)
1. Al dimeola Casino, and Cielle e terra.
2. Bjork
3. Sarah Mclaghlin.
4. Fleetwood mac rumours
5. Dire straights
6. Steely Dan Aja
7. Dave Brubeck time out.
I use these albums mainly for demonstration and never use classical (Too noisy during quiet passages, a dead give away)The difference to my ears and to all that came for a listen is pretty dam close with a slight brightness to my vinyl. (Yes you heard me correctly, my CDP is smoother)
My CD player has been in the closet for about a year and I only brought it out because I had to return a Benz Glider I just purchased. I have no cartridge for a few weeks. I really didnt expect to enjoy it (CD), as much as I am. Things sound great.
WHat is it that I'm liking about CD?
1. Dead quiet background.
2. Not a pop or tick to be heard.
3. Amazing imaging. (I'm sure the quiet backgroup contributes greatly)
4. Smooth rounded sound. (Possibly a trait the rega 2000 possesses)
My system consists of the following:Rega P5
Rega 2000
Rega MM phono. (Not used--)
Audio note SL2 Step up transformer. (For use with MC cartridges)
Audionote Meishu Tube MM phonostage. (built into my amp)
Audionote Meishu Integrated Amp. (Pre,phonostage, and SET 300B amp in one box)
Audio Note silver bi wire speaker cables
Audio note silver interconnects.
Audionote Espe speakers. 1 year old.My system was purchased as a perfect fit for my room, and all components work with incredible synergy. Both of my source components are by far the biggest shortcoming of my system.
*all* Audio Note users have a screw loose, more typically multiple loose screws!
I learned a long time ago that if you post your system here on this forum you are at high risk of being called a boob.If you are a tube person many call you a boob because solid state is better
If you are a Solid state person, you are a boob for not knowing about the magic of tubes.
If you are a SET person (Me) than you are a total raving audiophile lunatic that lives life with less than 10 watts per channel.
As Bukowski says:
"some people never go crazy....what truly horrible lives they must live."
Ohh yeah...I'm crazy as an audiophile can possible be...And loving every minute.
It was meant in jest but since the Girlie-Brat Pack has infested your thread I'll allow for the lack of a sense of humor without predjudice (this one time :) )
No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
crypto calling the kettle black?
I understood you were playing, my reply was an attempt at humour..(a sad attempt it seems)
I'm afraid I've read too much of the thread myself, feeling more than a little Girlie-Brat Pack whipped! Sorry!
> How much have you invested into your digital front end if I may ask?Actually, I have one of the very best CD players ever made. It consists of an Audio Alchemy DDS Pro transport that sold for $1500 in 1996. I have a modified Audio Alchemy DDEv3.0 DAC, which sold for around $700 in 1996. This combination will play CDs as well as anything I've ever heard.
a $300 cartridge and an integrated tube amplifier which I bartered for two hours of work. It is great at playing vinyl. Would I give up digital? No, but I have no illusions about how much I would have to spend to match the turntable's performance.
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