Is Analog Better Than Digital?

A long and quite interesting debate among audiophiles, is analog better than digital? The current state of analog vs digital in HiFi is directed mostly towards the use of turntables as a source, in lieu of a digital streamer or CD player. Other iterations do exist, but the rise and plateau of the big black spinning disc in recent years has done nothing to quell the fire that burns within this oft pondered notion.

This week on The Occasional Podcast, Soundsmith founder Peter Ledermann throws in his .02 and dives deep on some little known ideas and design direction. He personally resurrected the use of strain gauge cartridge technology and even utilizes cactus needles as cantilevers in some of his high-end products. But the interview revolves around far more than just record players. It crosses the audio realm with insights and observations from listening tips to sample rates to how the idea that the human race was once considered adept hunters ultimately affected the way we hear. The breakdown between analog vs digital is constantly changing as digital technologies continue to evolve. Peter even runs through how turntable tech has progressed under his watch in the past 20 years.

The Occasional Podcast recently coverage multiple audio designers views on measurements and a series on the “Best Of” for Speakers, Amps, Turntables and Carts, discussed the future of the CD, the idea that the term “Yacht Rock” might be offensive to some, interviewed Stereophile’s Michael Trei, covered AXPONA 2025, The Best Vintage Amplifiers To Buy At A Garage Sale, interviewed Jason Stoddard of Schiit Audio, and covered the future of digital and class D with Michal Jurewicz of Mytek and High End Munich 2024, but previous episodes include how tos, tips, tricks and education in all things high fidelity audio from episodes like last week’s Hot Headphones For The Holidays, an Interview With John Devore, Measurements explained with Andrew Jones, 3 things to know about streaming audio, 5 things to consider when buying a tube amplifier, interviews with Steve Guttenberg, how to’s and more from audio’s greatest talents, including Michael Fremer, another interesting conversation about the History Of The BBC’s LS3/5a Loudspeaker,  A Beginner’s Guide To Tube Amplifiers and A View From The Booth: Reference Systems, Accuracy & Why Audiophiles Love Jazz So Much: including rare interview with the late audio legend engineer Al Schmitt. The finale from season 5 includes the yearly “best of awards” and you can also find episodes covering British HiFi, Subwoofers/Setup/Tips, and the how to: Budgeting From Entry Level To High End. Season 4 highlights include Joseph Audio, Pro-Ject Turntables, and Rob Watts. One can still download this season’s educational show with TOP’s Beginners Primer To High Fidelity Digital Audio alongside the latest on Two-Way Speaker Design. Fan favorite What Is Mastering? What Happens When An Album Is Remastered? is also still available as well. If you are interested in further exploring the analog realm, the Guide To Buying A Turntable (and records) might point you in the right direction. 

Options to stream this week’s Is Analog Better Than Digital?, direct from the embed below or subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.