Vinyl, CDs Or Digital Downloads?
October 6, 2008 by admin
Filed under Your Opinions Do Matter
Does Soul music sound best on vinyl, CD or digital download? It’s a question and debate that Soul music fans and Hi Fi buffs have every day of the week.
Many say that the quality of CDs brings us the ultimate in sound quality right in our living rooms. However, the old school folks believe there is something extra special about the warmth and sound of vinyl records that CDs just cannot capture. Today digital downloads are all the rage. So which format really does bring out the best in our Sweet Soul Music?
Definitely, CDs have superior sound quality but vinyl recordings have their charm and of course they sound closest to the originals. But then again “better” is subjective. I’d concede that some songs sound better on vinyl.
I collect vinyl …not to say that I prefer vinyl. It’s part of my past and I’d like to keep them and preserve them. Hence, I actually listen more to CDs.
Vinyl recordings have that crackle and pop which might bother some people but which I find endearing. I think that it’s a matter of personal preference. I like vinyls. I’m a collector. They do lose some of the sound the longer you play them so I make it a point to play them only when I’m in the mood for much-needed relaxation.
If I want portable, I’d listen to MP3s. If I want an experience, I take out my vinyls. They have that warmer, richer sound. Vinyl is on the comeback, I say. Better believe me. =)
Vinyl recordings are much more accurate since they are analog. They capture the complete sound wave. On the other hand, digital recordings are approximating the sound wave and do not capture all the sound information. The downside to vinyls is that they easily degrade.
Which sounds better? I go for vinyl all the way.
Give me digital sound! It sounds crisp and clear and it doesn’t have the bothersome ticks that I heard on my turn table. And why hasn’t anyone mentioned this? It’s far more convenient. There’s more variety and it’s easier to control. This is not an issue.
Aren’t vinyls obsolete by now? If they aren’t, they should be. Do you want a race car or a horse carriage? The quality of CDs are far superior and besides, I can’t imagine bringing the turntable with me while I go about my business.
I’m very optimistic about the future of the vinyl market. I hear that pressing plants are increasing production. Even if it goes against music’s thirst for portability and convenience, the bulky records do sound better.
Turntables are hot. I bought a new one early this year and my friends love coming over with their vinyl records and we have a great time reminiscing. CDs are dying. Who buys them anymore?
I listened to them one after the other and I’m amazed at how different the CD sounds compared to the vinyl record. I prefer the vinyl sound, it’s warmer, more interesting, and I can hear the nuances of the song. It’s simply more alive.
Have any of heard about this new format? It’s supposed to be half-vinyl, half-CD. I haven’t had the chance to ask the local music store if they have such an item. I guess record companies are looking around for a new format because CD sales are dwindling. I mean it is more than 20 years old.
I agree with Cowboy Bill - if you’ve ever collected vinyl or loved and lost to the background crackle and needle click you can’t approach CD / MP3 in the same way. Where’s the heart in it? Nothing beats soul music up loud, warts and all, especially for a lovelorn ballad. The anticipation is in the initial hiss before the voice kicks in - are they in the room with me!? Am I leaning on a bar, drink in hand, while she sings? Ahhhh……..
Maybe in the future we will see some kind of new format with sound and visuals, but until then soul music sounds best on vinyl. Maybe it is just because that was how we bought the songs originally. I go to many record fairs and people I speak to feel the same.
I will stick my neck out and say that I love this era of digital downloads even though I’m a soul music fan. I know the arguments in favour of good old vinyl, but for me the ease of using the internet to locate tracks I love, and the ability to chop and change the playlisting around on my MP3 player means that I can have music wherever I go, in whatever order I like. Nothing can beat that.
I think we all benefit from the different formats in different ways. Who hasn’t loved playing cassettes in the car on long road trips? Or listening to a great DJ set on authentic vinyl? My kids are firm download fans, as it gives them ultimate control over what they hear. And if I buy my wife a CD she loves taking out the little booklet and singing along to the lyrics. The detractors who moan about format changes should realise its horses for courses.
Any Professional will tell you that vinyl is a better format. really depends on the way the song was recorded if you know what i mean. and or personal pref.