The Great Vinyl vs. CD Debate

United States
January 5, 2007 12:46am CST
(Hopefully this isn't here already...I did search.) Here it is, folks, your chance to weigh in. Which do you prefer and why? NOTE: You may also want to specify whether you're responding as a listener or as a DJ. I personally think that each format has its place and advantages/disadvantages. As a listener, I often like the ritual of removing a record from its dust sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and lovingly putting the tonearm on the record. Of course, the advantage of CDs is that you don't have to come back to flip the record over, and you also get a little more music due to the fact that CDs have a greater storage capability. Sound fidelity can vary greatly, but there are many audiophiles who will charge that a well-balanced, properly isolated sound system can provide just as much (if not more) sound fidelity from vinyl records as CDs. As a DJ, I think it is in anyone's best interest to begin with vinyl records. The whole concept of backcueing and manipulation is better taught with vinyl records, even though many DJ CD decks have become extremely advanced (rotating full-size platters, digital skratching and backcue, etc.) That being said, CDs have the advantage of reduced skip potential, custom compilations of music (including tracks that you may not have been able to find on vinyl), MP3 CD capability, and more compact storage and transportation (although not necessarily lighter unless you're working with MP3 CDs).
No responses