Vinyl or CD?

Indeed, the radio's sound information is transported in an analogue wave (sine), however this does not mean it is of the same quality. Radio is generally at a 96kbps quality. Of course, both TV (well, it used to be) and radio are sent through the air in an analogue form (sine wave) but that doesn't mean it is of the highest quality (I'm repeating myself, I know).

Then again, a vinyl's quality could again vary depending on the input's quality, so yes, it could be said that at times a CD would be of better quality but I'd estimate 85%+ of vinyl records have a better audio quality compared to a CD.

Ok, here's a back of envelope analysis I found to prove my point.

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A typical vinyl LP has a bandwidth of about 18kHz (when it's brand new, it might get up to about 22kHz). There is certainly some audio stuff above that, but it generally bears no relation to meaningful programme material (ie. it's noise and distortion). So let's be generous and assume a bandwidth of 22kHz: you'll need to sample this at 44kHz. The dynamic range of a beautifully pressed LP on virgin vinyl can get to about 65-70dB on a good day with a following wind, which equates to slightly less than 12 bits. So the bit rate required is 44,000 x 12 x 2 (for stereo), giving about 1030kbs. A more typical LP (18kHz bandwidth, dynamic range of 55dB) needs a bit rate of about 650kbs. For comparison purposes, the CD bit rate is 1378kbs.

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If you're unsure on what any of the terms mean I'd be happy to explain. Put simply, a typical vinyl might be equivalent to around 650kbps and a CD is double that.

Hmm, but how could anyone compared an analogue and digital signal. Surely as vinyl is analogue, it doesn't have a bit rate as it isn't chopped up at all?

Maybe I'm not understanding something.

I prefer Vinyl, but that's because I don't own CD's it's either vinyl or mp3.

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Originally Posted by Jahova

Hmm, but how could anyone compared an analogue and digital signal. Surely as vinyl is analogue, it doesn't have a bit rate as it isn't chopped up at all?

Maybe I'm not understanding something.

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Well, digital is better than analogue in my opinion. That is a comparision.

I go for CD's but I listen to music on the internet or on iPods etc.

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Originally Posted by Jahova

Hmm, but how could anyone compared an analogue and digital signal. Surely as vinyl is analogue, it doesn't have a bit rate as it isn't chopped up at all?

Maybe I'm not understanding something.

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It's not chopped up, but you can work out what it's approximately equivalent to I think.

You said yourself "Radio is generally at a 96kbps quality". I think this is a similar sort of calculation.

I don't really not clued up on it enough to discuss further I'm afraid, but I'm still pretty certain CD is theoretically slightly superior to vinyl.

Of course there are big advantages with vinyl for DJing etc, but I'm just talking from an audio quality perspective.

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Originally Posted by Plebings

IT'S WHY WE LOVE IT

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VERY TRUE. just gonna post me and ma vinyl on ma tumblr.

Most people don't bother with CDs anymore its mainly MP3s so if they were to choose between CDs and Vinyls i reckon most would pick vinyl cause of its retro factor but that might just be me.

I believe you don't actually need a license to play a Vinyl live and mix it unlike with CD's and digital downloads, thus a lot of DJ's buy vinyl as it's a lot easier for them.

I don't buy them myself but I do buy CD's. I like to have something to hold, to show I actually have the album. Some albums have brilliant artwork. I have a Sigur Ros album that's made a bit like a book, special paper, wood or what not.