Converting Vinyl to Digital


I want to convert my many vinyl records to digital - preferably stored on a server. I am looking for the very best sound quality and a relatively simple process. Best equipment and/or methods??

zygat

Analog to digital converters (prices not current):

1.5 Lake People ADC RS 04 Analog Digital Converter

4.0 Prism SoundTitan 

4.0 Lynx Hilo2 - MF uses it

8.0 QES Labs – PAD-2

8.6 emm labs adc8 mk iv

? ACOUSENCE system 193

That's a lot of work. Why not consider a decent streamer/DAC and a subscription to a high res streaming service? Or buy used CDs and rip them. Unless your time has no value to you, both will be cheaper in the long run and provide better sound quality. 

Contrary to what many are saying, it’s really not a lot of trouble once you buy the gear. You’re going to play the LP anyway...recording only adds another couple of minutes to the process and the work after recording can be done in as little as 15 minutes for each LP...and you never have to play that LP again, unless you wish to.

I use and have used a variety of recorders and typically record in DSD 5.6 unless the unit isn’t capable of that.

RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE  $1499 on sale at B&HPhoto. This unit is difficult to use. Controls have multi-functions and there are LOTS of menus.

Korg DS-DAC-10R (3 purchased for around $260 each) Almost as good as the RME and way easier to use.

Korg MR-1000 (portable unit) Sold it 13 years ago.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Less expensive than the Korg. No DSD capability. Good sound, but not as good as the Korg or RME in my estimation. Your mileage may vary.

Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD. Disappointing sound quality. Not recommended. Your mileage may vary.

Phono cartridges, SUTs and phono preamps. The more the merrier for variety and not every cartridge sounds best with every SUT or preamp. I only use low output moving coils with SUTs based on many listening tests with a variety of cartridges and preamps. Even a balanced connection doesn’t deliver what I can get from SUTs. Your mileage may vary.

LPs need to be cleaned and static removed. I use a wet washer and ultrasonic cavitation. Spin Clean or cheaper work. After that and with the record still wet, I use a HumminGuru. I repeat twice or more for all but new LPs. When playing, I use a Zerostat and carbon fiber brush.

After recording, I use the Korg software (comes with the Korg DS-DAC-10R) to split tracks and output a 24x192 digital file, which I clean up in Click Repair (Auto declicking at 4) If that doesn’t suffice, I use Adobe Audition for any problem clicks which are removed manually)

I’ve recorded thousands of LPs. In less than a minute, I can locate and play anything ever recorded with any equipment combination. My cartridges never wear out, and instead of trying to remember or wondering what a Koetsu or Ortofon (or others) sound like with a particular equipment combination, I can just press a button and play it.

No one can hear a difference. All naysayers are disproven in seconds when they fail to identify whether I’m playing the LP or listening to DSD playback with pops and clicks intact. Of course, you’ll need a good DAC for replay. They’re not all equal.