Orpheus just wishes you leave Orpheus out all together. |
I really wish I could help you achieve your goal, but I can't, although I've downloaded my huge 40 year plus vinyl collection quite successfully. My TT is in mothballs. The "only" limiting factor is the computer "interface". My downloaded vinyl sounds better than before to me. The computer is unlimited, disregard whatever you've heard on this forum that say's the computer is the problem.
The reason I can't help you is because I had to rebuild a computer interface in order to get "audiophile" quality to the computer. If someone can recommend an "audiophile" interface for you to down load to PC, you will be in heaven after this is accomplished. |
Licoricepizza, most of the stuff available is for people who want to download the scratchy LP's they inherited. It's not for "audiophile's". You have to do a lot of research before you spend any money. What I did to get an "audiophile" interface was such a problem, that I can't even recommend that. You will be in Nirvana when you find what you're looking for.
By the way, I'm using WAV and have no complaints. |
Licorice, I upgraded a DAK 2800-PC by replacing the capacitors. The program interface with the computer play list was perfect, and it's really easy to use. Korg sounds like you have to record it to Korg and then download it after. Maybe Ghasley could enlighten us both. |
That's it. I replaced all of the caps with top of the line Nichicon. I don't use phono in. I have a very good phono. I use line out, and line in on the DAK 2800 PC. As a matter of fact just before I posted this, I was grooving on some "Grocer Washington Jr." on my play list that had been down-loaded using the modified DAK 2800; and it sounded so good that it has inspired me to began a thread on the music forum for "Grover Washington Jr." |
I don't know what MP3 is, and I don't care what MP3 is. I know good audio when I hear it, and if it's called KJ7, that's fine with me |
My computer says WAV, where does MP3 come in. |
Go to "Google" and you will find DAK 2800 WAV grabber. It's no wonder I know nothing about MP3 and my computer knows nothing about MP3, we only know WAV. |
Soundblaster Audigy 2 Z5 capturing to Wav line in, digital out to Music Streamer II. On a good record, I can't tell vinyl from digital. Now tell me all about it. |
The Music Streamer II is a USB DAC, and a ripped CD doesn't go through any sound card. I'm at a loss for words, I don't quite know how to respond? |
Licorice, you have every detail of my set up and I like it a lot. If you have a good phono, which you probably do, line in from line out will give better results than going from the TT. The Music Streamer II is quite cost effective as a USB DAC and I recommend it. Unfortunately, tearing stuff apart, and putting it back together is not for everyone. |
Ghasley, there are "Audiophiles" and there are extreme audiophiles who fall into the category of "snob" audiophiles. Everyone on this forum is aware of ARC, but I doubt if hardly anyone is using ARC as a USB DAC. If your budget allows you to indulge in extreme audio, I say "more power to you", maybe one day I'll have that kind of a budget; but today I don't, and honestly I doubt I would use an ARC USB DAC. In the mean time, I'm as happy as a clam with my comical digital setup; peace, and enjoy the music. |
Ghasley, your post indicates you are not a "snob", but a sincere audiophile. Assuming I wanted to bring my system up to the standards you aspire to, what sound card, DAC, and other compatible components would I have; including pre amp, amp and speakers. |
Licorice, I hope you have derived enough from all of these posts to put a system together that will transfer your vinyl to PC. There is nothing better than to listen to all of your favorite records, with only the cuts that you like, without interruptions for hours on end late at night. The computer playlist is so much better than a R to R in terms of convenience, it's just about the only thing I listen to.
Enjoy the music and good luck. |
Licorice, I do recommend the Soundblaster Audigy 2Z5 capturing to WAV line in card, and the highly recommended Music Streamer II only costs $149. It's the best $149. I ever spent since I've been in stereo.
Sorry I can't recommend anything else for an audiophile.
Happy listening and enjoy your music. |
Ghasely, now that everyone has seen your "state of the art" method and my "budget recommendations" which are incomplete; because I only recommended the Audigy Sound Blaster, and the Musicstream UDB DAC; they can compare and speak for themselves. |
Ghasley, do you have any stop signs in your neighborhood? If so, tell them about your problem. |
I bet you live in Mr. Rodgers neighborhood. |
DacMagic
If the acronym HRT made you think of Hormone Replacement Therapy, let us to introduce you to High Resolution Technologies, a USB DAC specialist.
The Music Streamer II, available through audiofreaks.co.uk, is its most affordable model, yet it's good enough to make the average laptop sound like proper hi-fi.
Take a look at the input end of the device and there are two clues as to what makes the HRT special.
The first is that there are lights labelled with frequencies from 32k to 96k, indicating that unlike some rivals, the Music Streamer II can handle 24-bit files at 96kHz through USB
The second is the text saying 'asynchronous USB', which shows that it takes charge of clock duties when connected to your computer.
Simply plug your computer into the USB connection on one end, connect your hi-fi using the analogue outputs on the other, and the small but solid HRT handles the digital-to-analogue conversion.
And it does so in serious style. Playing The Far Road from The Road soundtrack, the sound is precise and fluid.
The leading edges of notes are terrifically well-defined, but they degrade with organic subtlety and realism. Detail and dynamics are exceptional, revealing every nuance in the haunting recording.
It's simply a perfectly balanced, bold and beautiful delivery, and for a DAC costing just £150, that's an incredible feat.
Sure, if you've got multiple sources that need converting, something like the Cambridge Audio DacMagic might serve you better, but if you're after a USB-only DAC, this is a great buy.
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I must be deaf or I have the best vinyl to PC. I'm listening to digital vinyl that I just down loaded and I can't tell the difference. I don't imagine Ghasley knows it, but that box of his is made up of transistors, diodes, and capacitors; and the bottom line is which box has the best transistors, diodes, and capacitors; not the name on the box. If his box was so good, he wouldn't have to use me for a "straw dog" in order to sell it. |
Licorice, for the record: none of my post's indicated that I recommended anything that I used to download vinyl. Archive is too sophisticated a word to describe what I've done.
Now I'm going to describe what I will do in order to archive my vinyl. The Benchmark ADC1 USB A-to-D converter with USB is what I'll use. Benchmark's UltraLock clock system insures the audio will never get contaminated with jitter-induced artifacts from a poor-quality computer based clock. This unit is capable of streaming at rates up to 96KHZ/24 bit without installing any drivers.
I will also purchase a reference quality cartridge with the intention of selling it back after I've finished archiving my vinyl. The best rig will insure the best sound I've ever heard.
This is a very important thread and ALL of the options available should be posted for others who want to archive their vinyl.
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Seldenr, after extensive critical listening to the playlist of my vinyl, I've come to the conclusion that any shortcomings are in the original analog domain.
Although I have a large vinyl collection which was the result of natural accumulation before CD, I wasn't into high end audio. Once I got into high end, my analog lagged behind. I've discovered that with my humble A to D conversion rig, the shortcomings are in the analog domain as opposed to the digital. You won't have that problem.
In regard to the "pop removal", mine works very well; but I only use it on records that need it. I would think going directly into the Benchmark will yield the best results. I'm using Windows 7, if non-defeatable volume control is eating bits, it hasn't eaten so many that I can tell the difference.
Your post was highly beneficial, and I'm sure you will get the best results.
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Correction on my last post. It won't make any difference whether you run it "line in, line out" on your pre, or direct to the Benchmark. The ability to monitor is a good thing. |
