There’s no doubt that vinyl records have seen a remarkable growth in popularity in recent years. Music-lovers everywhere advocate listening to tangible LPs over digitally compressed files. While these audio aficionados claim that it “sounds better,” what is it exactly that makes vinyl records superior to digital files?

As expected, there are arguments for and against vinyl. Some people argue digital files are actually superior to LPs. This is because digital files have a wider dynamic range, which is the volume range of notes, than vinyl records.

Additionally, some people claim that minor distortion occurs as a result of pressing records. Some audio engineers say that digital files are the most accurate representation of what artists and producers hear in the control room. It’s practically what the artist intended listeners to hear in the first place.

On the contrary, LP advocates say that digital files are actually an inaccurate representation of what the artist intended you to hear.

Digitally compressed files are known as “lossy” forms of music, meaning that extremely small portions of the music are lost due to compression and the sampling rate. Most digital music has a sampling rate of 44,100 kHz. This means that when a song is bounced, a computer samples the song 44,100 times per second. While you are hearing a great majority of the song, small bits are left behind in order for the song to fit on your phone or laptop for convenience’s sake.

Vinyl supporters claim that LPs are “lossless” forms of music, meaning that nothing is lost in this form of music, and you hear every bit of music that was created by the artist. This “lossless” form of music that’s heard on LPs explains the more open sound that you hear from a vinyl record. This is simply because LPs are not digitally compressed, as LPs are analog instead of digital.

While analog advocates may admit that minor distortion arises in LPs due to pressing techniques, this slight distortion actually causes the warmth of sound that some people love about vinyl records. This warmth complements some genres by lending the guitars a raw tone, which garage rock and blues rock are known for.

Needless to say, there are compelling arguments for both analog and digital forms of music. Essentially, it all comes down to the listener’s preference. While some people prefer digital files because of their convenience, I personally believe that LPs provide a much more engaging musical experience.

When you have access to a turntable and some vinyl records, the personal connection you have with the music is more intimate than what you experience with digital files.

First, you actually have to leave the comfort of your home and go to a local record shop. You browse through a seemingly endless collection of records, looking for one that maybe you haven’t heard before, or maybe one that you already love, but wish to experience in a new way.

In addition, being able to physically hold a record that you love and share memories with is a wonderful feeling. When I purchased my favorite record this past spring, I was beyond ecstatic to actually hold it in my hands and look at the fine details of the cover art.

When you get home from the record store, you open up the cover, take the record out of its sleeve, place it on your turntable and hit “play.” Then, you sit down, read along with the lyrics on the inside of the cover, and approximately 20 minutes later, turn the record over to listen to the second half.

Yes, this process may not be convenient, but it isn’t supposed to be. LPs are designed to engage and immerse the listener in the musical experience. You feel a stronger connection with the music that you’re hearing. It’s a physical bond, and that’s something that is much more valuable than tapping the “shuffle” icon on an LCD screen.

Whether vinyl records actually sound better than digitally compressed files is only one part of the debate. Even if digital files technically and scientifically sound more accurate to their recording, they don’t offer the same emotional and interactive experience that LPs offer.