Opinions on Reference LP Digitization System ...

I am in the process of digitizing most of my 15K LP's and 1K prerecorded tapes, all at 192/24. They are almost all classical - worth in excess of $200K. I am using a VPI HR-X TT with Rim Drive and a Lyra Skala or Helikon mono as appropriate. I am using an ultrasonic Audio Desk Vinyl Cleaner. The phono pre is a custom Bottlehead with variable EQ (for my many non RIAA records including early Decca and EMI). The digital system is Win XP Pro with Pyramix Software and Mykerinos card in a Zalman fanless case feeding a Pacific Microsonics Model Two. Post processing for clicks and pops is Izotope RX2 software. Everything is stored on Raid 6 configured hard drives, with an extra complete back up. I also had installed a dedicated power supply by Art Kelm. The system is very quiet. I was fortunate to have some top notch consultants to help me in the selection process and listening tests as well as teaching me how to use the software and equipment. Very happy with the results so far - about 3000 LP's and 800 tapes ripped. With clicks and pops removed, the vinyl sounds better digitized. Very happy with the results so far.

I've been digitizing LPs for a few years now. Over 2000 digitized. Through the years I've tried/used various equipment and software. The front end should be whatever you like best... like you said with any 100 audiophiles you'll get a 101 answers of what is "best". For the digitizing process I tried to follow the KISS principle. I wanted the ADC/DAC in one box. before a month ago I used the Metric Halo LIO-8 with mic preamps, and doing RIAA in the digital domain. I had to use a SUT (Bob's Devices) into the LIO-8 to get enough gain for the Ortofon A-90 cart. Although the LIO-8's mic preamps have adjustable gain, by the time I had the gain high enough the noise was noticeable. I am now using the Zesto Andros Phono Stage for gain and RIAA correction, into the Placette Active Line Stage and then into the LIO-8. Plenty of gain, VERY quiet, very neutral, and great sound. The LIO-8 is connected to computer (iMac) via firewire.

For recording I use either the recording software that comes with the LIO-8 or Audacity (free). Very difficult to tell any difference between the two... if there is any. Opinions seem to vary on this issue. I generally record at 24/96 mainly due to hard drive space. (Drobo 8 TB, 1/2 filled). If I record/digitize with the LIO-8 software I import into Audacity to edit, i.e. label tracks, remove excess time between tracks, fade in, fade out and make sure the lead in and out are completely silent. Within iTunes I also document the recording equipment used, LP label, number, and any other pertinent info. Click/pop removal can be easily done manually within Audacity although it can be quite time consuming for older LPs with lots of clicks/pops. For noisy LPs I use Click Repair, available online for a modest charge. The effect on the sound is like using Dolby to remove tape hiss. You loose a little air and add a thin veil, but it's worth it for those old treasures that have been played a lot... probably on rather primitive equipment. I tried the Channel D software early on but found it very clunky and time consuming to use compared to what I do now, and did not think it added anything to improve the sound. YMMV. A favorite test is to ask audiophile friends to tell which is which when switching back and forth... analog or digital. Basically they can't tell the difference.

My system is a mix of old and new but brings a smile to my face:
Ortofon A 90 in a Immedia RPM2 arm on a modified SOTA Star Saphire TT > Zesto Andros PS > Placette Active Line Stage > Metric Halo LIO-8 >iMac via firewire. Playback is via same route into Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono (currently ungraded to highest level possible) for mid/highs and a modified Hafler 500 for bass > Infinity IRS Beta (modified) speakers via dual runs of old Polk Cobra speaker cables for the mid/highs, and old Monster M2 speaker wire for bass. Transparent ICs. I know there are many improvements that could be made but things change slowly around here!

Sorry if I got off tangent and did not focus on equipment only. There are many knowledgeable people around here so I know you'll find what works best for you. Another good resource might be Computer Audiophile.com. There has been much discussion over there, especially on the LIO-8.
Best regards, Rod

I did not see an A/D converter. I would upgrade from the Lynx AES16 soundcard ($700) to the Lynx Hilo ($2,400) with both an AD and DA converter. I upgraded recently with stellar results. A unexpected bonus is Hilo's very nice sounding headphone amp section.

It might help to know what equipment you currently have.

On the software front, you might try this: http://www.channld.com/purevinyl/

I have not used it but it has a pretty good reputation. At the moment it is only compatible with Apple OS X

Rod -- great write-up. Could you comment on what differences you heard when you switched from SUT -> LIO-8 to using Andros -> Placette -> LIO-8? RIAA in digital would =seem= to be a good idea when digitizing LPs, but apparently you found differently. Also, why the Placette in there? Output of the Andros is too high for the Metric Halo?