For those of us who've cherished our Linn Sondek LP12 turntables over the years, there's intriguing news on the horizon. Linn has announced a significant upgrade option—the Bedrock plinth—that promises to elevate the performance of the LP12 to new heights.

This isn't just any plinth replacement. The Bedrock plinth is crafted from orthogonal layers of beech wood, compressed under intense heat and pressure. This process results in a material with uniform density and minimal resonance—more than twice as dense as conventional wood. The meticulous engineering behind this plinth aims to reduce unwanted vibrations and resonance, which can interfere with the purity of the audio signal.

What does this mean for the sound? According to Linn, the Bedrock plinth enhances every aspect of the LP12's performance. Expect tighter bass, improved pace, and greater sonic insight. It's like discovering newfound depth and clarity in records you've spun countless times before.

It's worth noting that this Bedrock plinth was first introduced in the limited-edition LP12-50 turntable, a collaboration between Linn and designer Jony Ive. That model was lauded for pushing the LP12's capabilities even further, and now those advancements are accessible to existing LP12 owners.

However, this level of refinement comes with a hefty price tag. The Bedrock plinth upgrade is priced at £8750, reflecting the complex manufacturing process and the scarcity of the material. For some, this might seem steep, but for dedicated vinyl enthusiasts committed to extracting the utmost from their analog setup, it could be a worthy investment.

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Linn Announces Bedrock Plinth Upgrade for Sondek LP12 Turntable


In an era where our music choices are merely a few clicks away, the digital vs physical media debate takes center stage among audiophiles. As traditional physical formats like CDs and vinyl contend with digital music libraries and streaming services, each format vies for its claim to sonic supremacy. This in-depth article evaluates the pros and cons of each approach, from the ritualistic joys of physical media to the unmatched convenience of digital libraries.

### Physical Media: The Resurgence and the Nostalgia

#### Quality and Rituals

For many, physical formats like CDs and vinyl aren't merely a medium for listening to music; they're an experience. A CD or vinyl record is tactile, ritualistic, and provides a form of interaction that digital media cannot replicate. Brands like Harman/Kardon offer high-end CD transports that, when paired with a top-tier DAC, can reveal layers of audio depth that may escape even high-bitrate digital formats.

#### Reliability and Ownership

A significant advantage of physical media is its long-lasting nature. Properly cared for CDs and vinyl can last decades without losing their original quality. Additionally, owning a physical copy provides a sense of ownership and permanence that digital platforms can't always guarantee, given the terms and conditions that may lead to the removal of particular albums or tracks.

### Digital Media: The Age of Convenience

#### Instant Access and Versatility

Digital formats have fundamentally transformed the way we consume music. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have democratized access to extensive music libraries that can be streamed on-demand. Software like PlexAmp takes this a step further with features such as "Sonic Adventure" and AI-driven playlist tools, offering a tailored listening experience.

#### Storage and Organization

Digital media can be stored in various forms of Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems or specialized audio equipment like Eversolo DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node. These devices, equipped with large-capacity drives, can host ripped FLAC libraries or even high-resolution SACD rips, offering a level of quality and convenience that is hard to beat.

### Cost vs Quality: A Balancing Act

#### The Financial Angle

Streaming services can appear cheaper initially, but they require ongoing subscriptions. Meanwhile, establishing a high-quality digital library or accumulating a vast physical collection also comes with costs. Devices like the SMSL SD-9 offer a mid-range digital option at around $450, but keep in mind that storage can get expensive. On the flip side, physical media also have their costs, especially when factoring in high-end playback equipment.

#### Audio Quality Debates

Services like Tidal and Qobuz offer high-fidelity, near-lossless audio streaming, but these usually come at a premium price. The ongoing debate remains whether the human ear can truly discern these nuances in audio quality, particularly when listening through high-end equipment like McIntosh systems.

### Conclusion

The physical vs digital debate among audiophiles is likely to continue as technology evolves and listening habits change. Whether you're an enthusiast who enjoys the tactile experience of handling a vinyl record or someone who values the convenience of accessing thousands of tracks within seconds, each medium offers its unique set of advantages and compromises. The best choice, as it often turns ou

the digital vs physical media debate in music

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The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Explore the nuanced debate between physical and digital audio formats. This article dissects the pros and cons of CDs, vinyl, and digital libraries, providing invaluable insights for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.


The 'CD vs Vinyl' debate is one that often stokes the fires of audiophile communities. Yet despite the digital age making music more accessible than ever, there seems to be a resurgence in vinyl records, even as CDs maintain their technological edge. In this article, we dive into why both formats continue to capture hearts, dissecting the technical aspects and exploring the intangibles that keep us reaching for physical media.

## The Technical Superiority of CDs

-   **Dynamic Range**: Typically between 90–120 dB.
-   **Frequency Response**: 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
-   **Sampling Rate**: 44.1kHz (standard).
-   **Bits Per Sample**: 16 bits.
-   **Distortion**: Negligible at 0.0002% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).

### Data Storage and Durability

CDs utilize digital storage, which means they can store a vast amount of audio data with high fidelity. This digital format ensures low levels of noise and distortion. They are also less prone to degradation over time compared to vinyl records, which can suffer from scratches, dust, and general wear and tear.

### Dynamic Range

CDs offer a more extensive dynamic range than vinyl. This is vital for capturing the nuances in classical or orchestral music, for instance. The dynamic limitations often attributed to CDs are generally a result of the "loudness wars," wherein mastering engineers compress the audio's dynamic range to make it sound louder, a trend that has also affected vinyl pressings.

### Cost and Accessibility

CDs are generally more affordable than their vinyl counterparts. Even high-quality CDs with superior dynamic range can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of a vinyl record, making them more accessible to the average music enthusiast.

## The Intangibles of Vinyl

-   **Dynamic Range**: Varies between 55–70 dB.
-   **Frequency Response**: 30Hz to 18,000Hz.
-   **Sampling Rate**: N/A (analog format).
-   **Bits Per Sample**: N/A (analog format).
-   **Distortion**: Generally higher, varies by player and condition.

### Artistic Appreciation

The larger format of a vinyl record allows for more significant album art, providing a more tactile and visual experience for the listener. This has led some people to consider vinyl as more of a collector's item, enjoying the process of unboxing and physically placing the needle on the record.

### Analog Charm

Vinyl records offer an "analog warmth" that is often described as more "natural" compared to the digital precision of CDs. This characteristic is particularly beloved in genres like rock and jazz, where the textural elements of music can be more expressive.

### Nostalgia and Ritual

The ritualistic aspect of playing a vinyl record, where one has to manually place the needle, provides a tactile connection to the music. The nostalgia tied to records is undeniable and adds an emotional component that is absent in the digital click-and-play nature of CDs and streaming services.

## Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

### The Cost of Nostalgia

The current market trend shows vinyl records often priced much higher than CDs. This is often justified by the tactile and emotional elements that vinyl provides but is also a subject of criticism as many consider it a strategy by the industry to capitalize on a fad.

### The Audiophile Dream

Some individuals claim that vinyl records provide better sound quality due to their analog nature. However, these claims are often made by those using low-grade turntables or lacking high-quality amplifiers and speakers that would unveil the inherent limitations of the medium.

### Universal Decline in Mastering Quality

Many experts point out that the decline in audio mastering quality has more to do with consumer behavior than the medium itself. Nowadays, music is often listened to on low-quality speakers or headphones, and thus, is mastered accordingly. This affects both digital and analog formats.

## Conclusion

While CDs offer technical superiority in terms of durability, dynamic range, and cost, vinyl records bring intangibles like larger album art, the analog warmth, and the nostalgia factor to the table. Ultimately, the preference for one over the other often comes down to individual taste, the listening environment, and emotional connection. So whether you're an ardent CD collector or a vinyl aficionado, the bottom line is to enjoy the music in the format that most speaks to you.

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Why CDs and Vinyl Still Co-Exist in the Digital Age

Why are we still arguing about CDs and vinyl? This detailed analysis breaks down what each format offers to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.


Imagine standing at a crossroads, one path leads to a vintage record store with walls lined with vinyl albums, and the other to a modern shop gleaming with CDs. This isn't just a choice of format; it's a choice of experience. Each path has its own sonic treasures and drawbacks. Ready to choose? Let’s walk down both roads.

### The Warmth of Vinyl: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Vinyl records have a unique warmth, a richness in sound that's akin to sitting next to a fireplace on a chilly evening. This comes from its analog nature, which means the sound wave is continuous, not broken up into bits like in digital formats such as CDs. The grooves in the vinyl hold the music, captured by the needle as it rides the spirals. These grooves contribute to vinyl’s characteristic warmth and depth.

**Tech Specs**: The audio frequency response for most vinyl records ranges from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, encompassing the entire range of human hearing. However, it can sometimes introduce pops and crackles, adding a "vintage touch" to the sound.

### The Precision of CDs: A Journey Into Clarity

CDs, or Compact Discs, give you crystal-clear sound. They are digital, meaning the music is coded into 1s and 0s. Because of this, the audio is exact and consistent every time you play it. Imagine listening to a live recording where every instrument is perfectly tuned, every time— that's the CD experience.

**Tech Specs**: CDs offer a frequency response similar to vinyl, but with a 44.1 kHz sampling rate and 16-bit depth, which ensures a virtually noise-free listening experience.

### Space and Convenience: The Balancing Act

Vinyl records are generally larger and require a turntable and possibly an external speaker setup. CDs are much smaller and can be played in various environments, from your car to your portable CD player. The ease of use with CDs often outweighs the larger, more cumbersome vinyl setup.

### The Physicality of Music: Album Art and Liner Notes

Vinyl records often come with large, intricate album art and liner notes that you can hold, read, and admire. CDs have this too, but the smaller format doesn’t have the same impact. Owning a vinyl record is like having a book, whereas a CD is more like a magazine.

#### The Ritual vs The Play Button

Dropping the needle on a vinyl record can be a ritual, a moment to pause and prepare for the music. With CDs, it's often as easy as pressing the play button. The vinyl ritual can add to the overall experience, making you a more active participant in your music journey.

#### Cost and Availability: Niche vs Mainstream

New vinyl releases and quality turntables can be pricey, making it a somewhat niche hobby. CDs and CD players are generally more affordable and easier to find.

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**An Experience Tailored To You**

The choice between Vinyl and CD isn’t just technical; it's emotional. Do you crave the tactile, ritualistic experience of vinyl, complete with its warm sound? Or do you prioritize the clarity, convenience, and precision of CDs? Both have their merits, their own stories to tell, and their own ways of letting you experience those stories.

a vintage vinyl record and a CD placed side by side on a soft textured surface. The vinyl exudes nostalgia with its classic design

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Vinyl vs CD: Choosing Your Sonic Adventure

Sound quality, tech specs, and rituals— uncover the intricacies of choosing between Vinyl and CDs in this comprehensive guide

Linn Announces Bedrock Plinth Upgrade for Sondek LP12 Turntable

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The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Why CDs and Vinyl Still Co-Exist in the Digital Age

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