I Compared Vinyl vs Tape vs Cassette vs Streaming – Results were SHOCKING!

About this Video

• Video Title: I Compared Vinyl vs Tape vs Cassette vs Streaming – Results were SHOCKING!
• Channel: Dom Sigalas
• Speakers: Dom Sigalas
• Duration: 00:22:34

Introduction

This video compares the sound quality of different music formats: vinyl, tape, cassette, and digital streaming (Apple Music Lossless and Spotify). The creator aims to determine which format sounds best through a blind listening test and analysis of waveforms and spectrums.

Key Takeaways

• Blind Test: A blind listening test was conducted where viewers were asked to identify the audio source (vinyl, tape, cassette, digital master, Apple Music lossless, Spotify) based solely on sound.
• Real-to-Reel Tape: The real-to-reel tape produced a sound described as having great dynamics, a projected mid-range, and a slightly louder perception (even after normalization). The creator considered this sound suitable for mastering projects.
• Vinyl: Many listeners preferred the vinyl's warmer, more organic sound despite its scooped midrange and exaggerated low-end. The vinyl also revealed subtle details (like breath vocals) not as apparent in the digital master.
• Cassette: The cassette sound was easily identifiable due to its compressed, slightly saturated sound and lack of sharp transients. The creator noted a more compact mid-range and reduced stereo field.
• Digital Streaming: Apple Music lossless maintained a closer sonic profile to the original master than Spotify. Spotify’s processing caused noticeable alterations in the waveform and sound.