Turntable To PC Audio Connection To Make CD's

Everyone:

SOLUTION FOUND. The problem was so simple I am embarrassed.
The tape-out connector on this new receiver is not working . I spent a lot of time trying researching the possible causes on the internet, money for special order cables, and new pre-amp. No solution.

Then I forgot the new technology and returned to basics-to solve a problem try the easy options first. I then removed all the expensive cables and pre-amp. I reconnected the original cables to another audio-out on the receiver and VIOLA! clear and audible sound from the computer speakers. I then tried the other audio-out connectors and they also worked.

What have I learnt? Too much information, at times can be useless. I would have first used the simple options If I had not read so much, on the inernet, about the need for special cables,pre-Amps and mixers, special sound cards and recording software,the difficulties of transfering LP's to CD's via a turntable, receiver and computer etc.

Next task-reducing the snaps, pops and crackles in the sound from the LP's. Simple solution to start-wash with small amount of mild dishwashing liquid. THEN use the sound suppressing technology.

I am now using the standard hardware and software that came with my computer. I may change the soundard just to get better Bass control and digital connectors.

Rwwear & Richingoth:

Thanks for the suggestions. The Hewlett Packard help site states that the computer should be connected to a pair of speaker outputs. I am afraid of that option because it may "fry" the computer if someone accidentally turns up the volume of the Receiver.

The computer has Line-in volume input settings. Based on my research on the net, I have set the volume meter at 95 percent.

The Receiver does not have Auxilliary or Phono input or output. That was the reason why Harman Kardon's technical support recommended using the Tape-in and Tape-out jacks.

The Tape-in jacks are not used at the same time for TT and Computer. I test the TT output then I switch the cables
To test the Computer output.

I do not believe the cables are a problem. Whenever I play the FM Tuner to test the set-up, volume and clarity are OK.

Does it have enough volume when played through the receiver? 38db is not a lot of gain but you also get more gain from the receiver's preamp when the turntable is used with it. You won't get the advantage of the 7200's gain when using the tape outs. The best sound would be achieved by hooking the turntable directly to the computer. But you may not have enough output from the turntable's phono stage for that unless you get a higher output cartridge.

If you do not want to spend more money, you can use the preamp outs on your receiver if it has them. Then you would have more gain and any EQ that the receiver has. The disadvantage to this setup is that you don't get as pure a signal and there are more than one volume control in line.
If you happen to turn the volume up or down, it will change the level on your recording.

Another thing that you might want to check is if there is an input level setting on your computer for recording from outside devices. I think there is, look in the control panel.

Those 75 ohm coaxial cables from and to the receiver will have to be replace by audio cables. Also I noted in your question that the TT is connected to the Receiver's Tape-In also you have the Computer Line Out ALSO connected to the Receiver's Tape-In, unless you have 2 tape monitor circuits this will not work. Connect the TT to some other Line input such as AUX. Set the source to that input and turn on the tape monitor to hear what is be recorded from the computer.
Hope this helps

Regards,
Rich

Rwwear:

The turntable is an Audio Technica AT-PL 120. The built-in PreAmp has output specs of 38dB Gain and 200mV. The preamp can be turned off. Would an independent pre-amp or pre-amp/mixer be a better idea if the gain is higner? Most of what I have seen are professional grades and expensive.

The Receiver (Harman Kardon 7200) does not have a phono input.

For the best sound, you should hook the turntable directly to the computer if it has a built in phono stage. If you do not have enough gain you can check to see how much output your cartridge has and if it is low, change to a higher output model. What brand of turntable is it? It is unusual for a turntable to have it's own phono preamp built in. Stanton makes one that does but, it doesn't have much gain and needs to be used with high output cartridges.

If you plug it into a phono-input, it will be equalized a second time to the RIAA specifications and is guaranteed to be horribly distorted, which is definitely not what you want. Assuming your turntable's built-in preamp is properly designed, what you are doing should work.

Me Thinks you are gonna have to have a receiver with a phono-input. Believe that to be your problem. The phono-input will correctly pre-amplify the signal to the level you need it to be at the Tape-out. The volume control does NOT affect the signal at the Tape-out.
Good luck!