Opinions on Reference LP Digitization System ...


I'm considering my options for digitizing my LP collection, and, after doing a bit of research, came up with the following list of components (with current retail prices, noted). Computer itself not included in list. This is all hypothetical.

I'd be aiming for 'reference' but not 'money doesn't matter at all'.

Maybe, rather than choosing/commenting on what *you* would personally choose, think of the following: imagine 100 audiophiles are in a room, including you - what set-up would have the highest average score?

In terms of cartridge, do you think pure neutrality would win out on average (and if so, what cartridge would you suggest) or slightly sweeter/warmer (and again, if so, what cartridge)? Other cartridge thoughts?

Feel free to pick apart the list, but if you substitute something more expensive, that means having to sacrifice elsewhere (the hypothetical list below totals approx. $42,000, so think of approx. $45,000 as your budget, buying new (not from Audiogon)).

Many thanks in advance for any comments received.

VPI HR-X TT + JMW 12.7 tonearm + Valhalla wiring ($15,000)
Air Tight PC-1 Supreme cartridge ($9,000)
Kimber Kable PK14 Palladian power cord for TT ($1,300)
Ginko Cloud 11 (medium) isolation platform for TT ($600)
Ginko dustcover for TT ($400)
Channel D Seta L (rechargeable battery) phonopreamp ($4,100)
Kimber Kable Orchid (preamp-aesb digital connect) ($700)
Lynx AES16 soundcard ($700)
Shunyata Cyclops power conditioner ($2,000)
Grand Prix Audio Monaco 3 shelf stand ($2,900)
VPI Typhoon record cleaner ($2,700)
Furutech DeMag LP demagnetizer ($2,700)
Aesthetix ABCD-1 cartridge demagnetizer ($200)
herschelr

Showing 3 responses by drubin

You might look at the Lynx Hilo A/D - D/A, which Rob from Channel D has been demoing with lately. It should equal or better the AES16.

For the TT/arm/cart part of the equation, I think you need to go for the analog sound YOU LIKE best, though I appreciate why you've posed the 100 audiophiles thought exercise. Based on a recent audition, and if you want to go much less costly, I think the Well Tempered Amadeus with a good Dynavector cartridge would float a lot of those 100 boats.
Rod -- great write-up. Could you comment on what differences you heard when you switched from SUT -> LIO-8 to using Andros -> Placette -> LIO-8? RIAA in digital would =seem= to be a good idea when digitizing LPs, but apparently you found differently. Also, why the Placette in there? Output of the Andros is too high for the Metric Halo?
Isn't the Channel D phono preamp sans RIAA, which is then applied in software by the computer? I think there's a very good case to be made for going that way. You can choose from different equalizations, use pop and click removal if you want, apply EQ where needed, and so forth. Since you are taking the vinyl into digital, might as well avail yourself of digital's advantages. Which is the whole idea of Channel D and what Rob has been working on for years. Talk to him before you finalize your decisions.