While my grandson was over for the holidays, he came across my vinyl collection. As he rummaged through my records and awed at the covers, we began talking about music then and now. He was obsessed with the sound of vinyl. His obsession left me thinking about the differences between analog and digital sound. Does vinyl really sound better, or is that a myth of a different generation?
Before the days of streaming and CDs, analog technology was the only way to replicate sound waves. Technology has been around for nearly two centuries. While the methods for picking up sound waves have evolved throughout history, the basic concepts remain unchanged.
Analog technology was the norm. After vinyl records became out of fashion, the industry moved towards magnetic cassette tapes. While the playback method was different, music was recorded in the same way as vinyl. Everything changed in 1982 with the release of the compact disc, lovingly referred to as the CD. The CD completely changed the game and revolutionized the way we record and enjoy music. It’s often regarded as the true start of the digital age.
So, does vinyl sound better than digital formats? Well, let’s dig a bit deeper into how audio is recorded and replicated. Ultimately, digital recordings are more accurate than vinyl because of how many samples are taken. But many audiophiles would argue that digital recording with pulse code modulation loses some of those finer details. Another reason why many people prefer vinyl for a more dynamic range. Analog recordings have a tendency to pick up, more dynamic range, that you can actually hear. For these reasons, vinyl comes to life when you turn up the volume.
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference! and how much of an audiophile lover you are or not. Vinyl records also offer a sense of nostalgia, a unique experience that digital files just can’t provide.