LP still better than Digital?
I mostly agree with Audio_Engine. While it's fun to debate formats it is
also a little silly. I have LP's that sound great and I have LP's that
are sound awful. I have CD's that sound wonderful and others that are
nearly unlistenable. There are many variables that make generalizations
difficult.
The August 2012 _Absolute_Sound_ has a nice article by Robert Harley on
the audio production chain that can result in a lovely or dreadful digital
recording. Quite interesting.
The LP is a remarkable technical achievement that still can make excellent
music. It is almost incredible that it works as well as it does by
dragging a little needle through a spiral groove. I am not throwing my
records away anytime soon and you can still pick up great tunes at the
swap meet for very little $$.
So after my caveat about generalizations I will offer my opinion of the
relative merits of the available recorded media with my own playback
equipment:
SACD - The best sound is from the format didn't quite catch on. Expensive.
I will only purchase my very favorites or when available at close-out
prices. I have about 30 SACD's.
LP - A clean quiet disc of a good recording is next best. I have built a
collection of 2000+ over the years and am still adding to it via swap meet
and yard sale. Many are delightful historical objects to own. I can't
bring myself to buy new discs at $25 though.
CD - Digital recording and playback has come a long ways in the last 15
years or so. There is a universe of available music at reasonable prices.
My collection is at about 1500 discs. Still below a good recording on a
clean LP, IMHO, but capable of providing an enjoyable and moving musical
experience.
MP3 - Can't beat the convenience and the ultimate in portability. At best
sounds washed out to me, somewhat like a cassette.
I don't have any experience with the high bit/sample rate digital
recordings yet. I imagine that they can sound very good and perhaps rival
SACD. Of course, they are subject to the quality of the analog to digital
chain as described in Mr. Harley's article.
Paul
South Pasadena, CA
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