My take on the article “Vinyl’s great, but it’s not better than CDs”

Thanks Rosmi ‘cinie’ Yuhasni
for this great article explaining in depth (in “light” science and math
backed with studies) the difference of the sound between CD and vinyl.

As a trained engineer, I had always thought that live-and-death proponent
of vinyl enthusiast saying their vinyl sounded MUCH better are basing
it on their bias towards the medium rather than scientific reasons.

Furthermore, experiencing it on my own, comparing side by side CD and
vinyl, the difference is clear. So this should stop the argument which
one is better in terms of details and accuracy. The warmth? Read the
article to find out.

Take note also, in order to experience
real satisfaction on vinyl, you need to spend a lot on the stereo
system. An entry point turntable, amp and speakers will not do it. You
need to spend A LOT. In comparison, an entry level for CD setup is just
sufficient. Experience this yourself by going to the AV FEST next month
in KL. Listen at the good sounding vinyl setup and then LOOK at the
price.

Saying all these, I listen to both format. Still buy
vinyls (ordered King Diamond/Mercyful Fate repress on vinyls and
DISSECTION vinyl reissues). But now I know WHAT and WHY I buy it. And I
buy more CDs than vinyls because CDs sound better on my cheap entry hifi
setups.

“Each format has its charms, and their overall
differences in quality are often overwhelmed by differences in the
quality of initial recording equipment, in mastering approaches, and in
playback setup. But if you’re a vinyl collector, you also shouldn’t go
around telling your friends how much purer your audio is. First off,
that’s generally dickish behavior, but more to the point it’s false.
Digital recording just is more accurate. That’s not the only thing worth
considering by any means, but it does make the puritanism of some vinyl
true believers look rather ridiculous.”

THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE