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Dell purchase

Hi folks,

I am considering buying a Dell computer. I don't have a strong desire to *play* music through my computer, but I would like to be able to copy CDs, and especially record my LPs to CD. I'd want to experiment and see the quality.

Dell offers a CD/CDR/CDW device with their machines. No brand name listed! (Just "Dell"). Any sense of the quality for these purposes?

Also they offer a choice of two "premium" sound cards. I understand sound card quality is important when recording from analog sources. Choices are: the Sound Blaster "Live" (this is a step down from the top-of-the-line soundblaster) and the "Turtle Beach Santa Cruz". Any thoughts on these two sound cards?

Or are these parts too low-quality, such that I should just buy a "bare" box and add better quality parts?

Thanks for any thoughts!
ehart
kthomas
911 posts
 
Gboren's advice is spot-on. For CD copying, it will work flawlessly - I've copied many hundreds of my CDs to load into changers. You get the occassional fault (which is immediately identified and you throw the blank away), but in general you get a perfect copy 99% of the time. For recording from vinyl, you'll want to buy a much better sound card. Buying the Dell and adding a high-end soundcard will get you exactly what you want. -Kirk
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
I have one word.... Macintosh

I've been more impressed with them. True, I am die hard mac fan, but my job requires me to use both mac and Dell burners. Actually, the mac is a dvd burner as well. (if you get the upgraded one)
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
here's another macaholic. "get a life, get a mac." -cfb
jaguar
84 posts
 
I have a Dell 8100 with the Turtle Beach sound card. Before I purchased, I was able to compare the two sound cards you mentioned and the choice was easy. The Turtle Beach is cleaner, clearer and more dynamic.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
I recently purchased a Dell for my office. Well dude, I'm not too impressed. Since you should mention the cdw, don't know the brand nor care to, it is a piece of ...., I've attempted to make 4 copies of music and all are flawed. Data other than music SEEMS to be adequate and this is the main purpose for it. I guess I should have upgraded the cdw to one that actually works instead of the made in China no name unit I got. One thing good about Dell though is their customer service, excellent. Mac, I'll be taking a long hard look for my next home unit. I miss using them but it has been a while.
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