Why is it you want to use your computer to store or burn your albums. The jury is still out on the archival life of recordable cd's. Vinyl is still, by far, the standard for archiving. However, a case could be made for commercial high resolution stamped cd's. If it is for portable play back, then a case could be made. If it is for home enjoyment then investing in a good analog playback unit is your best bet. Don't worry about wear. A well set up and maintained turntable with moderate care is a fantastic way to enjoy your collection. Plus it sounds better. If your having problems with ticks a pops there are two suggetions I have. The first is, unless it is a rare and expensive album, buy a used one at a used record store. Most albums, especially, rock are available for $2.00-$4.00. Jazz and classical can ranged about the same, however, for early pressings, ie.,1950-1960 they can run slightly higher. The more creative you are with your search the better luck and the more fun you will have. I have, on more than a number of occassions picked up primo copies of rare and high priced albums for cheap. I mean .50 to $2.00. Secondly, if the album is rare and irreplacable, a method I have used, that immediately improves the playback is by playing the album wet. You can do this by either spritzing the album with distilled water or by directly applying the water with a "discwasher" like brush. This will take care of all but the most difficult ticks and pops. However, you will need to reapply the water about half way through the album. Anyway, I don't mean to get on a grandstand, but again enjoying your albums through a good turntable can't be beat. I have been recording live music for the past 17 years and currently own 2 DAT's, one portable and one home unit as well as owning a CD burner. If my budget would allow me, or tech. would afford me the opportunity to own a record cutting lathe I would die for its archival ability. However, it doesn't and I must therefore back up data with data of data to insure longevity. But for those well mastered classics all I need to do is kick back and enjoy the ride down the vinyl high way. I hope that was helpful. Here's what I use to archive to cd. Source-Sony SBM processor, ie., PCM2600-Marantz CDR630 pro cd burner. This works well for me and is the best I can afford until I pick up a lathe that someone left for dead on the side of the road.
