Reader Finds It Pays to Listen to Analog Rabbi

Michael,

There was a time when I started buying records out of sheer boredom with Compact Discs. Some technical limitations always bothered me and though I loved it, I never did think it sounded as good. I came across one of your interviews on YouTube, which led me on an obsession for more interviews. I'm paraphrasing, but there were two things that really stuck out:

"You can buy a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and get into the things that vinyl does well"

"If your cartridge is setup correctly, you shouldn't hear distortion"

I thought, that's nice, but I don't buy it. And then I bought a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with a 2M properly setup from the factory.

What can I say? the inner cuts sound better than ANY CD I've ever owned, and I am so passionate about my collection and music again, I'll never go back. This is the format for me.

I'm not a fan boy, or out to suck up to you, but you were right, I trusted you, and even a modest setup wasted anything I've ever heard.

There's a record I had that never played particularly well. Its a nice record, 1974 Paul Simon live recording done by Phil Ramone, good songs. I spun it, a track came on that literally blew my mind and validated everything you said.

He has the Jesse Dixon Singers out and they start doing Loves Me Like a Rock. It's tame in the initial lines "love...love...love.." then without warning the band kicks in, full on gospel and it was a sound from those speakers I have never heard before. I had to lift the needle, call someone in to listen to it and validate my reaction. They did.

This was an eye-opener. Thanks.

Paul

COMMENTS
sveinp2_paul's picture

The ultimate validation, which I failed to mention in my letter, was when my beagle, Sergeant Pepper, tilted his head quizzically looking at the speakers, rather than running out of the room. -Paul

Zardoz's picture

Can I get an Amen, brother??!!

Z

Paul Boudreau's picture

Another converted Paul - cool.

Glotz's picture

It's more fun to play with too.

X