Where's the A/D converter?
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)
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)
Showing 3 responses by onhwy61
The components you've listed, while superb, may not have the flexibility to archive a large vinyl collection. For the sake of clarity I suggest you ignore all the power cords, stands, power conditioners, etc. and just focus upon the turntable, tonearm, cartridge, phono preamp, A/D converter, digital recorder and editing software. The turntable/tonearm and cartridge should be easily adjustable in all parameters with settings clearly marked. The assumption is that you will optimize playback for each recording which will require VTF, VTA, azimuth, etc. being constantly adjusted. You may want a turntable that supports multiple tonearms. This will make it easier to use a mono cartridge or another cartridge than the AirTight. Some recordings may sound better with different tonearm/cartridge combos. The phono preamp should have a mono switch and variable load settings accessible on the front panel. Do you need the ability to vary EQ curve? You'll need it if you are going to archive older records with non-RIAA settings. Are you going to run the phono preamp directly into the A/D or connect them using a preamp? It's important if you want to monitor and compare signals in real time. If the phono preamp doesn't have balanced outputs you'll need to convert to balanced somewhere before the A/D conversion since nearly all high quality converters have only balanced inputs. The A/D converter should have metering, not just an "over" light. It should also have user adjustable level calibration. Additionally you will need some sort of attenuator at the A/D inputs if the converter doesn't already have one, most don't. Some A/Ds have built-in monitoring capabilities which may be important to your setup. Your recorder can either be a computer/software combo or a dedicated stand alone recorder. I'd recommend the computer/software route since you'll need it anyway. (The stand alone recorders are basically dedicated computer, so I don't buy the anti-computer argument). However, Korg makes an excellent recorder that will also allow you to record in the Sony DSD format. Don't skimp on the editing software and I strongly recommend you have a noise removal program. If you are going to make CDs from you archives you should note that all SRC programs are not created equal. A few components you should consider: Millennia LOC phono preamp Burl A/D Mytek AD192 Audiophile Engineering Sample Manager SRC software |