Music quality: MP3 vs. Vinyl - how big is the difference?
Not only the ambience plays a role in the comparison of vinyls and MP3 files. We will show you in our practical tip whether the two formats also differ in music quality.
1. MP3s sound so good:
MP3 does not simply cut the highs and lows - as many think - but only changes the frequencies that the human ear cannot perceive. This compresses the songs and saves storage space. However, the sound quality does not suffer
- The advantage is, of course, that you can now listen to MP3 files everywhere and do not necessarily need a specific accessory.
- MP3s also depend on the bit rate, which affects the sound of a song. The higher the bit rate, the better the sound quality.
2. Vinyl records sound so good:
Vinyl records were previously recorded analogously and then pressed into the material. The main advantage of this was that it initially sounded like a record as if you were in the middle of the studio:
- The disadvantage of a vinyl record, however, is that dust settles into the fine grooves and thus creates the typical scratching sound. Older records in particular often don't sound as clear as MP3 songs.
- So that this cannot happen to you at all, you should store the vinyl records well: The fine grooves can melt in the heat and the record is irreversibly destroyed. Moisture is also bad for the material. If you stack several vinyls on top of each other, the plates can also bend and thus affect the quality.
- However, many nostalgics still swear by the charm of the classic record with its typical scratching in quiet places.
MP3 vs. Vinyl - the comparison:
In the comparison of the two formats, it ultimately depends on your taste. Whether you swear by unmistakable sound from classic vinyl records or think more of MP3s and their advantages is up to you.
- Ultimately, there is often almost no difference for laypersons. When it comes to music enjoyment and quality, it's not just the format that counts, but also the equipment with which you can enjoy your music. So it's best to get a good sound system.
- The number of copies also plays a major role in terms of quality. Many experts say that a master CD, i.e. the CD from which copies are made, always sounds better.
If you still have old vinyl records, we will give you the best tips for cleaning your records in another practical tip.