It sort of depends on a few things. The turntable (et al) & amp the person has, and the recording software, and any filters they apply afterward.

I've ripped all my vinyl to my harddrive in lossless format. I've put no after filters on the files. If the record has a bit of crackle or pop to it, so be it. I wanna hear my vinyl. CD quality is only as good as the source. Everything was in analog up to the early 90s (or late 80s), so even if it was on CD, it was still only as good as the source tape(s). Once DAT came in, CDs started to have a tinny and cold sound to them. I think it's a reason vinyl never really went away, and eventually made a big come back as we're seeing now. There's a great mid-range warmth that is unmistakeable.

But whatever you do, have fun with your vinyl.

Any music you truly care about - where possible get it on vinyl

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rips of vinyl/cds/downloads are all very handy and convenient but it's apples and oranges

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The feel...the artwork...the slight imperfections...the fullness

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It's like having your favourite book on the shelf rather than on a kindle

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When I split from my girl...my collection was my priority...some of the wax is simply irreplaceable (white labels etc)

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Babe you can have the dog...but not my tunes

Connected said:

KingSausage said:

I bought a record player recently with my birthday money, only mid range, but i am enjoying going to second hand shops and picking up some old Lps, and playing them. I am listening to artists that i would have never dreamed of before. I think it is helping take my mind off Princes death. Only downside is the amount they now charge for new lps. Around 20 pounds plus. Still rip off britain.

All vinyl is not equal. If the music was mastered for vinyl there is a more noticible difference in quality. If it was mastered for digital and simply ported to vinyl, you may as well stick with the CD.

Also, the quality of the vinyl and the manufacturing standards come in to play. For instance, I'm currently digitizing my vinyl bootleg collection. These records that have only been played a few times, still look brand new, and are CLEAN. Yet, when I drop the needle, some of them crackle and pop like they were played often and/or poorly cared for. Others sound great. I'm assuming the different results I'm getting are due to the lack of quality standards on the bootlegs.

It takes a lot more effort to listen to vinyl for sure. Cleaning each side before dropping the needle, properly storing the vinyl to preserve quality. This is why although I prefer vinyl I usually opt for the convenience of digital. Every few months I'll designate a viny night and listen to records for a few hours but usually I go with digital as the convenience of digital trumps the pleasure of vinyl.

Also, you don't just need a turntable, you need a GOOD turntable. Plus, a good cartridge, amp, speakers and headphones (you do have a baby after all). If any of that is inferior the results may not be what you desire.

All that said, I recommend it. Now's probably a good time with so many of his albums about to be reissued on vinyl. I know I'm eager to pick up a couple I don't have at reasonable prices.

RiotPaisley said:

So what is a good turntable? I've been checked by them out for awhile but I can't figure out which one is best. I have a component system- an older receiver and a newer one with HDMI ports, etc. I have killed speakers. I usually just run my computer, phone, or iPod through it. I have a ton of vinyl and looking at more but so far just collecting it.

There are many Technics turntables at mid-range prices that provide good quality per dollar.
I'd also recommend trying to find a used one in good working condition for a good deal.

RiotPaisley said:

So what is a good turntable? I've been checked by them out for awhile but I can't figure out which one is best. I have a component system- an older receiver and a newer one with HDMI ports, etc. I have killed speakers. I usually just run my computer, phone, or iPod through it. I have a ton of vinyl and looking at more but so far just collecting it.

Well, I took a nod from Jimmy Jam last year, as to a starting point. I've been keeping feelers out for a new turntable. He posted a pic of a turntable that was sent to Flyte Tyme, and they were playing test pressings of Janet's Unbreakable and "No Sleep" on it. It was an Audio-Technics At-LP1240-USB. It mean, it's $450, but you can deviate from that, and stay in the $200 range.

I've still not made my purchase. I opted for a KitchenAid stand mixer for myself, but the turntable is on my shortlist.

TrivialPursuit said:

RiotPaisley said:

So what is a good turntable? I've been checked by them out for awhile but I can't figure out which one is best. I have a component system- an older receiver and a newer one with HDMI ports, etc. I have killed speakers. I usually just run my computer, phone, or iPod through it. I have a ton of vinyl and looking at more but so far just collecting it.

Well, I took a nod from Jimmy Jam last year, as to a starting point. I've been keeping feelers out for a new turntable. He posted a pic of a turntable that was sent to Flyte Tyme, and they were playing test pressings of Janet's Unbreakable and "No Sleep" on it. It was an Audio-Technics At-LP1240-USB. It mean, it's $450, but you can deviate from that, and stay in the $200 range.

I've still not made my purchase. I opted for a KitchenAid stand mixer for myself, but the turntable is on my shortlist.

I actually picked this one up a few months ago: Audio Technica AT-LP60BK-BT. It's Bluetooth, so I can connect with my existing BT capable system. Low cost (about $150), and sounds great. Have been told Audio Technica is a good brand, and I've not had any issues with it so far. Building my collection back up. Love going to the local record shops and grabbing used $6 or so albums. Fun stuff...

ThirdStrike said:

I actually picked this one up a few months ago: Audio Technica AT-LP60BK-BT. It's Bluetooth, so I can connect with my existing BT capable system. Low cost (about $150), and sounds great. Have been told Audio Technica is a good brand, and I've not had any issues with it so far. Building my collection back up. Love going to the local record shops and grabbing used $6 or so albums. Fun stuff...

I appreciate that! I don't mind paying for the $445 one, but if there's a good option otherwise, I'm willing to save the money without sacrificing quality. I'm not big on the Bluetooth though.

And yeah, I've always heard good things about A.T.

djThunderfunk said:

RiotPaisley said:

So what is a good turntable? I've been checked by them out for awhile but I can't figure out which one is best. I have a component system- an older receiver and a newer one with HDMI ports, etc. I have killed speakers. I usually just run my computer, phone, or iPod through it. I have a ton of vinyl and looking at more but so far just collecting it.

There are many Technics turntables at mid-range prices that provide good quality per dollar.
I'd also recommend trying to find a used one in good working condition for a good deal.

This.

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The beauty of stack systems is that you can build/upgrade over time...and to start out, definitely check out some premium second hand models

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You can find some great deals and most "audiophiles" tend to look after their gear and usually sell when they want to upgrade to newer, even more high end stuff

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Personally I have sworn by my Technics 1210s for the last 30yrs

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Happy hunting!

KingSausage said:

I bought a bunch of Prince vinyl. But I won't have a turntable for another few months. This is going to be torturous.

Here are a few links you may be interested in, especially if you want the best from your vinyl.

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http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/the-8-best-budget-turntables-that-wont-ruin-your-records/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/get-the-best-sound-from-your-record-player-guide/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/8-easy-and-affordable-ways-to-clean-your-vinyl-records-by-hand/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/8-best-phono-amplifiers-for-your-turntable/

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^^ All that is the opinion of the site and it all might seem like a faff, but if you want your records to sound good it's worth taking heed.

Sorry about the links on this half arsed site.

TheDigitalGardener said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

KingSausage said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

Here are a few links you may be interested in, especially if you want the best from your vinyl.

.

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/the-8-best-budget-turntables-that-wont-ruin-your-records/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/get-the-best-sound-from-your-record-player-guide/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/8-easy-and-affordable-ways-to-clean-your-vinyl-records-by-hand/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-releases/8-best-phono-amplifiers-for-your-turntable/

.

^^ All that is the opinion of the site and it all might seem like a faff, but if you want your records to sound good it's worth taking heed.

Sorry about the links on this half arsed site.

Holy shit. That is a lot of work. Do you follow all of that advice?

Most of it yes. My set up sounds good though, that's what is important to me.

TheDigitalGardener said:

TrivialPursuit said:

Everything was in analog up to the early 90s (or late 80s), so even if it was on CD, it was still only as good as the source tape(s).

.

Nonsense. Digital recording has been around long before the advent of the CD. Abba's the Visitors from 1982 was digital all the way. See also https://www.gearslutz.com...eased.html .

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Some of us still remember the hoopla about a recording being AAD or ADD or DDD.

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[Edited 6/22/16 5:00am]

BartVanHemelen said:

KingSausage said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

Most of it yes. My set up sounds good though, that's what is important to me.

That's commitment! I bet your system kicks ass. I'd love to know what gear you have (turntable, amp, speakers, etc...even accessories like brushes and other cleaning shit).

It's ok but not as good as I'd like it to be, it's mid range stuff till I can afford better. Thing is, you can make a budget set up sound better by doing very simple things like removing the lid while playing, getting a decent slip mat and making sure your turntable is positioned on it's own shelf/table and other wee low cost tricks.

Maybe we need another thread for this subject.

TheDigitalGardener said:

Replica said:

KingSausage said:

Thanks for the answers. I don't know how good the vinyl rips I found truly are. They sound good, but not necessarily earth shattering compared to the CDs, at least not in all cases. I expected to hear much more thump and low end on SOTT. The reason I ask all of this is I would hate to buy a turntable, speakers, amp, and other gear and then spend the extra money to collect all the reissued vinyl albums only to find out they sound not all that much better than the vinyl rips K found. I would *love* to get a turntable in general, but my discretionary income isn't the greatest right now (our daughter just turned one and of my god daycare and diapers and more diapers and clothes and toys and and and and). While I could swing a turntable somehow, the opportunity cost is immense. So when I found those vinyl rips I thought they were a godsend.

Alot of people are nowadays using both digital and analog equipment. For vinyl to work with digital hardware, a high quality dac is needed, as well as everything else that adds color or takes something away from the source sound. The vinyl rip will never sound like the vinyl. At best it will sound 100% like the sum of the vinyl record and every piece of the signal path, if the dac is a high quality one.

Yeah I agree wth this post from Replica.

To really get the full advantage of analog as a listener, it requires a pretty ideal circumstance. Good turntable with a good needle, played over a good system in a good listening room, with a great condition copy of the album that has been well cleaned.

And even with all that you still might find albums that have been remixed for digital release, that sound better than the vinyl.

No medium is perfect, it's just a matter of preference, and then finding the right copy to suit your preferences.

It really depends on the rip itself. I've download a rip of Sign o the Times like last year that sounded absolutely horrible. But I've gotten rips of other things like Steely Dan's Aja that really did it justice. As somebody else mentioned it depends on the turntable, quality of a/d converters, proper levels, etc, etc..

While we're on the topic of the vinyl re-issues: http://www.superdeluxeedi...ue-update/

BartVanHemelen said:

BartVanHemelen said:

While we're on the topic of the vinyl re-issues: http://www.superdeluxeedi...ue-update/

Dammit. I need Black Album on vinyl. I'll admit I was surprised when they listed it. IIRC the '94 release was a limited one time deal. I assume any reissues will have to be negotiated.

The other 2 I want aren't listed anymore either. I had heard D&P & Gold Experience were coming out this year but this article does not mention them...

djThunderfunk said: