Analog playback on computer.

I've been getting my feet wet in computer audio lately and have been impressed by what's possible. Recording my vinyl from preamp into MacBook using Audacity, then playing it back via Audirvana Plus through a Dac Destroyer into Sony MDR-1R headphones has been a revelation. Liquidity, detail and dynamics up the proverbial. Just stunning sound, as good as my main system in many ways. It's made me want to upgrade my entire adc/dac/headphone set up, which up until a few months ago wasn't something I was into. I had no idea computer audio could sound this good. Audirvana Plus was the main contributor to the sound. Thought it was all just 1s and 0s until I downloaded that app (had been using iTunes) but turns out there's a lot more to it. Vinyl sound through a laptop, who'd have thought?

If you starting digitizing, you should look at Vinyl Studio. It is a great app for separating the tracts, tagging, cleaning up noise, etc. Only $29 with a free trial. One of its great advantages is that is looking up albums in discogs and imports the track names and the timing information. Makes the whole process a lot easy. Available for both Windows and Mac.

Uberdine, and every one else who responded, I know nothing about computers, but I got a "Geek" who knows everything. When I ask him a question, he gives me that look which says "You wouldn't even know after I told you". Back when Stereophile was running articles on computer cards I bought what they recommended, and he installed them, plus I have a "Music Streamer" for the output; economical, but it works very well.

What amazes me the most about "computer audio" is the price ratio when compared to regular audio. We had to spend at least 1K, or more to get the slightest improvement, but in computer audio, we're talking hundreds, as opposed to thousands of dollars; consequently, I'm looking at any computer improvement I can make.


Enjoy the music.

orpheus10, how are you?
I have never tried this kind of digital processing so it was interesting to read. The common opinion is that once it enters digital domain something is lost and can't be recovered. I would need top of the line equipment including computer to form my own opinion. Not a completely correct analogy, but when you translate from one spoken language into another something is always lost. If you know well more than one language, try it especially poetry.

Inna, I've got a tweaked out rig that includes things like: Incognito Tone Arm Rewire, "Deluxe Groove Tracer Subplatter", and other stuff,plus Grado Sonata cartridge, perfectly installed.

I recorded before and after the improvements; therefore I was cognizant of every minute difference, including "nuance" of old favorite records.

My "Geek" explained the process to me, and it was similar to the process used in "Star Trek" when they get beamed up; the molecular breakdown and regeneration. Although he explained it to me, I couldn't even explain it to myself; nevertheless, it works.

Although the before and after the tweaks is quite apparent, there is absolutely no difference between listening to the music on computer playback, and spinning a record.

I know this is true on my rig, I just wondered if it was the same on others rigs. I know I made some improvements on my computer, but I forgot what they were. If improvements are necessary to get this level of playback, you can inquire the same people who responded to my post.


Enjoy the music.