Connoisseurs of vinyl records often claim they’re far superior to music released on digital formats. Vinyl evokes a special feeling that can’t be duplicated by modern technology, no matter how crisply and cleanly they produce sound. Whether it actually produces a better quality of sound is a matter that is still hotly debated by audiophiles. Here’s a closer look.

The Science Behind Sound Engineering

From a scientific perspective, digital sound has a higher quality when it comes to things like range and sound reproduction. CDs produce a cleaner sound than records, as digital recording processes hew closer to what a modern band and their recording engineers conceive in the studio. Thanks to the improved quality, most classic record reissues are taken from a digital source as opposed to the master tape.

Why Vinyl Records Are Still Better

Of course, most music fans aren’t as concerned about the science behind sound quality. They prefer vinyl because of the total experience, from taking the record out of its sleeve to setting down the needle for the first time. Vinyl lovers also talk about how “warm” the sound is when a record plays. This also relates to sound engineering and the way that vinyl records are created, but since it’s often an emotional connection, the technical details don’t feel as important.

The warmth of sound can be chalked up to distortion of the bass element. Rendering bass to a record is a laborious process that requires added filtering and tweaking, which leads to a distorted, albeit more interesting sound. This is a large part of the attraction for audiophiles, and the reason why vinyl albums are associated with such an iconic sound. 

Alison's Record Shop understands that your love of vinyl records goes deeper than sound quality. That’s why this Nashville, TN, institution is so beloved by locals. Along with their amazing selection of records, they’ll also help you locate hard-to-find classics and make recommendations so you can expand your collection even further. They also buy records and will even help you find an awesome turntable right next door for your listening pleasure. Stop by or call (615) 356-0180 for more info on hours and location. Visit them online to learn about upcoming events.