General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why do some people buy and listen to vinyl records? [View all]lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)...if you are interested in the math. A carefully sampled digital recording is at least as good as analog. As an engineer and an electronic musician, I use both technologies every day. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Analog is really great for generating the original sound; it never aliases even with complex modulations and distortions applied. It's nice to turn a knob and hear the sound change in a creamy smooth way. On the other hand, digital is great for recording. It has huge dynamic range, and the convenience of nonlinear editing (assembling sounds in a visual way) would be impossible for me to give up.
For me, the reasons I sometimes listen to vinyl are similar to the reasons I roast and grind my own coffee. Sure, it's more effort, but I enjoy the physical connection to the product; the ritual adds to the pleasure. Also, it's fun to dig up some rare oddball in the thrift shop, and hear something that would never be available in digital form.