CDs Over Vinyl Any Day

[eleiko]

Actually, none of the cd recordings I have (AKA Naim CDS3 cdp) can match my LINN lp-12 musically. The 200 gram pressings simply have more fluidity than any cd player can deliver. This makes the vinyl more tonally alive and involving.

But...

No vinyl I have heard has the cd players black background and frictionless silence. Stuff like the 1812 overture and other dynamic/bass powerful recordings work better on a cd IMO.

The Thorens is a decent deck, but not really tonally a "reference" deck in which to compare vs premium digital.

In my case, I am comparing a $14k cd player and an $8k turntable set up. Cd has it's merits, but both platforms are capable of extracting nuances to the point enjoyment becomes synergy, and recording quality dependent.

I wouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars for either a turntable or CD player. As you know, there's a point of diminishing returns when you reach stratospheric heights in audio (or anything else for that matter). I've never found CDs "cold", "vapid" or any of the other adjectives some audiophiles use to describe their sound. The quiet background alone sold me on CDs as preference to vinyl.

[Sondek]

I wouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars for either a turntable or CD player. As you know, there's a point of diminishing returns when you reach stratospheric heights in audio (or anything else for that matter). I've never found CDs "cold", "vapid" or any of the other adjectives some audiophiles use to describe their sound. The quiet background alone sold me on CDs as preference to vinyl.

I didn't flame you before, but you stated exactly as I suspected. You do not own high end, and cannot speak from experiance, and do not have a good point of reference. You are making a call from rationalizing cheap gear. I won't say it doesn't sound good, but it is a long way from what vinyl and digital can do.

Sure, I might like cd better if all I knew was sub $1k stuff. But there is no exaggeration when cd players and lp's get far better than what is offered at "a few hundered bucks."

That's almost like saying bose is as good as it gets.

IOW:

You like the sound of your cheap cd over your cheap turntable, but cannot speak to what high end actually sounds like to make a real judgement call. Stick to your guns though, whatever turns you on. But there is far better stuff out there.

"Wow, this Hundai tiberon is as good as sports cars get, there is no reason to spend more because the rest is a waste of money for little improvement"

[Feanor]

I didn't flame you before, but you stated exactly as I suspected. You do not own high end, and cannot speak from experiance, and do not have a good point of reference. You are making a call from rationalizing cheap gear. I won't say it doesn't sound good, but it is a long way from what vinyl and digital can do.

Sure, I might like cd better if all I knew was sub $1k stuff. But there is no exaggeration when cd players and lp's get far better than what is offered at "a few hundered bucks."

That's almost like saying bose is as good as it gets.
..

I'll never know how great vinyl sounds either. Yes, on my cheap "mid-fi" crap, the superiority of that medium, such as it might be, isn't evident.

I'm not making the "diminishing returns" defence. Nor the, "I have more brains than money" defence. The fact is I'd probably spend the dough if I had it. Maybe then I'd find out.

Meanwhile I'll just have to take your word for the greatness of vinyl.

[hifitommy]

is in de back yard. its a good defense against trespassers. ;^)

[Feanor]

is in de back yard. its a good defense against trespassers. ;^)

Seriously: I'm contemplating a new, $500 CDP, so maybe I should buy a TT combo in that range instead.

The only one that comes to mind is the Music Hall MMF-5 with the Goldring G012. I might stretch to Rega P3 but that doesn't come with cartridge (or a dust cover?). Did somebody mention a NAD based on the Rega?

My own LP collection is small but in very good condition. Of course, I'd be looking for good used LP -- then I guess I'd need cleaning equipment.

[hifitommy]

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....abl&1091837187

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....abl&1091824724

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....abl&1091374144

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....abl&1090612527

just a sampling of whats available . i have no connection with any of them, i just thought you might have overlooked this resource.

;^)

[Feanor]

... i have no connection with any of them, i just thought you might have overlooked this resource.
...

I have always been leery about buying second hand sight-unseen, but it might be time to take the plunge.

Any tips for shopping Audiogon? Note that I'm constrained to sellers willing to ship to Canada.

[rb122]

I wouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars for either a turntable or CD player. As you know, there's a point of diminishing returns when you reach stratospheric heights in audio (or anything else for that matter). I've never found CDs "cold", "vapid" or any of the other adjectives some audiophiles use to describe their sound. The quiet background alone sold me on CDs as preference to vinyl.

There's no need for you to defend your preference. If you're happy with CD's, I'm happy for you. I hear it differently but that's ok, too. On the other hand, when I compare a "few hundred" dollar turntable with a few hundred dollar CD player, the difference between the two medium is lessened, as Sondek pointed out. But as you said, CD over vinyl any day for you. Enjoy!

[Norm Strong]

I wouldn't spend more than a few hundred dollars for either a turntable or CD player. As you know, there's a point of diminishing returns when you reach stratospheric heights in audio (or anything else for that matter). I've never found CDs "cold", "vapid" or any of the other adjectives some audiophiles use to describe their sound. The quiet background alone sold me on CDs as preference to vinyl.

What is the smallest amount that qualifies as "a few hundred dollars"? I would guess $300, which would be excessive for any CD player (IMHO)

There's something wrong when an audiophile pays more for a turntable, arm & cartridge than the price of the master recording lathe that made the original.

[RGA]

There's something wrong when an audiophile pays more for a turntable, arm & cartridge than the price of the master recording lathe that made the original.

Do you have a technical reason with proof as to why?

[DMK]

[QUOTE=Norm Strong
There's something wrong when an audiophile pays more for a turntable, arm & cartridge than the price of the master recording lathe that made the original.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm... there must then also be something wrong when a music lover pays more for a pair of speakers than the price of a pair of studio microphones used to record. Or spending more for a complete system than the price of the acoustic guitar that made the recording. Er... not that I'm dogging your opinion, Norm! That's a good way to get thrown out of here! But...ah... is fidelity a dirty word where you come from????