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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
greenkiwi
1 posts
 
Well, I think that $45k for the setup for recording might be just a tad high...

I might think about going with some software that would let you do the computer recording before the RIAA filter has been applied (well, the analog to digital conversion.)

http://www.channld.com/purevinyl/
http://www.stereophile.com/computeraudio/pure_vinyl_lp_recording_amp_editing_software

You'd get fine control over the whole process with some software specifically designed for it.
herschelr OP
5 posts
 
My understanding is the Lynx AES16 soundcard is acting as the a/d converter, although a stand-alone A/D converter (between the amp and the computer) is another option.

Tx.

C.
herschelr OP
5 posts
 
... and Greenkiwi, yes, the software I'd use would be PureVinyl by ChannelD - I was more focussing on getting the signal from the record to the software ...

C.
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drubin
3,265 posts
 
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.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
For that high a budget I'd definitely want to put more money into the AD conversion aspect. That is where it's at if you ask me. I recorded LPs for years and the improvements a wadia 17 AD converter brought was significant. I'm sure there are other great AD converters out there.
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