Mark Downing’s Vinyl Truths

Everyone is talking about how records are making a come back but the truth is they never went anywhere. Even with the convenience of digital music vinyl records and turntables are sought after by new generations of music lovers.

Most albums produced before 1990 actually sound better because analog signals eliminate gaps found in CD’s, downloads and streaming. The absence of gaps explains why records in general have a superior sound quality. When listening to digital music, our brain has to fill in gaps between signals, which results in “digital fatigue” and eventually makes you turn off your CD player, DVD, Blu-Ray, or satellite cable. Records or analog AM/FM radio allows the brain to listen continuously and never experience fatigue. Once you’ve listened to a clean, original pressing of music on a turntable through quality speakers, no digital presentations can compare. Records contain an inherent “cool” factor attached to playing, collecting, storing, and caring for them. They’re so much more interesting visually that you tend to connect with the music on an emotional level. In an age where life is measured in mega seconds, playing records requires time and attention and it not only inspires greater focus on the music itself but enhances the quality of time spent at home either alone or socially.

Mark Downing, Vinyl Aficionado and Audio Specialist, owner of California Records and Gifts. 1400 South Coast Hwy., #101. Phone: (949) 554-5587.