[cfrizz]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Strictly speaking, this is true but, assuming both are high quality reproductions, it takes some pretty expensive equipment and a really good ear to hear the difference. Not very many people are going to be able to hear the difference and even fewer are going to be willing to pay for the equipment required. Also, analog has to be recorded on media that is subject to wear and tear which will eventually degrade the quality of the sound. Digital media is subject to similar wear and tear but, due to its nature of each sound sampling being all or none, still can be played at the original quality despite wear and tear of the media (up to a point, of course). Also, as long as the wear and tear is not too bad, a digital recording can be reproduced on fresh media and be as good as the original recording. So, basically, analog will sound better initially but will degrade over time but digital can maintain its quality over time.



There has been a huge debate regarding the "warmer" sound of vinyl over digital. My experience had been, other than really obsure nuances digital may not pick up, digital sounds closer to a live performance than vinyl. I much prefer the brighter sound of a live performance (sans the faint sound of someone clearing their throat, people shuffling in their seats, or applauding during or just before the end of a piece but then there are people who like those sounds; that's a whole 'nuther debate) over the warmth of vinyl. I suspect many people prefer the warmth because they grew up with it. I also prefer the convenience of not having to hassle with trying to take care of a vinyl disk that will eventually wear anyway no matter how careful I am. I like being able to put together playlists from multiple albums that can play for several hours with no attention from me. I like the idea I can put up to thirty hours worth of music in my car stereo and not be at the mercy of broadcast stations that may or may not (generally not) play what I like to listen to, especially when driving a stretch of road that has no stations I like (I'm a persnicketive old bitch).

Btw, I'm not knocking people for prefering vinyl over digital; I'm just pointing out it is just a preference and not necessarily better.

Outstanding post Jeannie!

I'm a member of Polk Audio's forum, and there are always disagreements popping up between those of us who focus more on the music & those who focus more on the gear and endlessly tweeking it to find the ULTIMATE sound.

Most of the tweekers swear by tubes & vinyl. Me while I do know & hear that cd's sound better, I'd rather spend the whole day listening to my music on my San Disk mp3 player, that's connected to my audio system rather than hopping up all day long changing cds!

The tweekers get a kick out of CUSTOMIZING the sound they hear with tubes. Me? I just want to listen to music.

Pbooks aren't going anywhere anytime soon anymore than cd's are. But with an aging population of Baby Boomers the benefits of the customizing the fonts on an ereader will be just too much to pass up.