[ace2358]

The interesting thing about vinyl compared to any other format is that not only is it analog, it’s also mechanical! I think that gives the technology an aesthetic that can’t be matched by other analog formats, it also works without electricity! The whole idea of engraving sound into a physics object is a still pretty wild and something that’s been going on for over 100 years!

[zbuf]

I also think perhaps we over estimate how "digital" CD playback is.

I repaired a CD player recently and learned that the control system which guides and powers the laser is entirely analogue. Only the audio pickup was a digital signal.

I'm sure designs vary, but it made a great deal of sense when you consider a design from the 70s and 80s.

A CD is digital, but a CD _player_ is a surprisingly analogue device.

[airhead969]

You should see how tiny the MicroLine diamond is on my Audio-Technica MM cartridge. 90% of the cost is in that replaceable, fragile part of an MM cartridge: the stylus.

MC cartridges typically don't have replaceable styluses. Bust an AT-ART9XA, and get ready to lay-out 1.3k clams.

[ace2358]

Is the AT-ART9XA the MM stylus? I’ve heard a bit about the MM stylus, though never used one myself. Just getting into vinyl gear for DJing soon, but will be starting lower end. Especially at 1.3k! What makes that stylus so good?

[AshamedCaptain]

I think people put too much value on the "digital" vs "analog" distinction. Note for example:

> The whole idea of engraving sound into a physics object is a still pretty wild

Yeah that's exactly what it is, "analog" or "digital".