From: Tom C
FWIW, when vinyl was in it's heyday, considering the quality of
playback equipment most commonly used by the largest % of the record
market, I wonder whether the LP's themselves were made to the high
quality audio specifications, that eliteists believe they are hearing.
I can hear a diffference between same vinyl and CD recordings, but
how good is the vinyl, really?
Depends on the original analog mix; quality of the original vinyl -
ratio of virgin vinyl to recycled vinyl; thickness of the pressing;
quality of the lacquer cutting; quality of the master disc; quality of
the "mother" discs; quality of the stamping molds; where it comes in the
press run ... how the LP has been handled since it left the factory floor.
Mass market vinyl from the 60s and 70s ain't often that great. They made
CHEAP, thin records, cut a lot of corners in manufacturing, and quality
control was often poor. New audiophile LPs use higher quality materials,
more of them and cut fewer corners in production.
The same factors apply to CDs.
Audiophile CDs have much better sound quality than the ones you find in
the discount bin at WalMart; especially some of the early CD issues of
60s & 70s LPs that were digitized straight from the old LP "master"
tapes without any kind of re-mixing, re-mastering ... that's why there
are re-issues (one reason anyway).
Another thing is the recording process is stood somewhat on its head
from what it was in the golden age of vinyl. Where before everything was
recorded onto analog tape and then digitized along the way to making an
LP into a CD, now-a-days almost everything is recorded digitally from
the get-go and has to be converted to analog somewhere along the way to
making a new vinyl LP.
What I'm saying is really good quality vinyl and really good quality
digital sources both sound *REALLY GOOD*.
It can also be REALLY expensive relative to what's good enough for most
purposes.
It boils down to everyone has to determine their own cost benefit ratio
regarding their chosen audio reproduction system. I have what I consider
a good quality legacy audio system with a better than average turntable,
good speakers and a set of audiophile head-phones ... plus tape decks
and CD players.
When I use my legacy system, I play CDs or home recorded cassettes. I'm
not a connoisseur of the audio listening experience. For me it's a
soundtrack.
I can't remember the last time I actually listened to my vinyl LPs
because they don't fit in with the way I want to listen to music,
although I do still have those vinyl LPs; even some of my old 45s. I
keep 'em around in case the CDRs ever wear out. I can go back and rip
'em again if I need to.
I have listened to audiophile vinyl on audiophile component systems,
including the multi-thousand dollar turntables.
But, if/when I have multi-thousands of dollars to spend, I wouldn't
spend it on stereo equipment. Maybe a new camera body, a lens or two and
I'd put a lot of miles into my next "photo-safari". There's 50 states
out there; 49 of 'em I intend to see either at least once or at least
once more ... and then there's the Orient, Europe, Australia, Africa ...
are all calling my name.
Ain't no audiophile stereo listening experience good enough to drown
that out, and it wouldn't fit into a carry-on anyway.
So ...
Usual terms and conditions apply.
Feed face down, nine edge first.
It had a good beat, was easy to dance to - so I'll give it about a 63.
Closed course with professional driver.
Void where prohibited, licensed or taxed.
Do not bend, fold, spindle or mutilate.
Your mileage MAY vary!
Consult your owners manual for additional details.
Don't try this at home kids.
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