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Your choice for budget analog to digital converter

I am embarking on an effort to digitize my brother's vinyl collection for him. What do you recommend for a reasonably capable and priced (<$250) analog to digital converter? Would like at least 24/96 capability. I am doing it here and there so may eventually go through several generations of ADCs, but have start somewhere.

Rest of system: Thorens TD150 mkII, Grado platinum cartridge, Grado phono preamp, Dell Latitude laptop, Audacity software.

Any suggestions appreciated.

PS - in case you are wondering why he is going digital, he is a musician and wants to take his music collection on the road. I get to keep the vinyl, but the time is really a gift. Your time is too, thanks. kn
knownothing
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Dtc, thanks. Yes, all or nearly all headphone amps will have output impedances that are easily low enough to be able to drive 5K with good results. And that is confirmed in the case of the SLP-05 by the indication in its manual that it is suitable for use with headphones having impedances of 30 to 300 ohms. (The reason headphones with higher impedances may not be suitable is undoubtedly due to limitations on output voltage, not output impedance).

The line-level main output of the SLP-05, btw, would not be suitable, as its impedance is too high to drive 5K with good results, perJohn Atkinson's measurements.

The other thing to consider is if the headphone output can provide enough voltage to the Linestreamer. I see in its manual a statement that it can provide 0.5 watts per channel. Making the worst case assumption that that is based on a 30 ohm load, that corresponds to about 3.9 volts, which would be fine (when reduced by the preamp's volume control).

A point to be aware of, that is mentioned in the manual, is that apparently the preamp's main outputs remain active when its headphone amp is switched on, so the power amp would have to be turned off if you don't want sound from the speakers while you are using the ADC.

Just pick up an adapter like this, and I'm pretty certain you'll have no problems interfacing to the Linestreamer.

Regards,
-- Al
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Al - thanks, that all makes sense. I am aware of the high impedance of the main outputs, but it is not problem for my Levinson 432. Actually, I would probably want the mains on when recording if possible. That would depend on output levels.

I really wanted a Korg MR 2000s but I procrastinated too long and they have been discontinued. I am also looking at a Korg MR 2, partially because of its DSD capability. Unfortunately, the Ayre is a little rich for my blood, at least at this point. The idea was to use the Line Streamer as a starter unit to test the process, but I have not pursued it because of the lack of volume control. You headphone amp suggestion is a good one that may get me back on track. Thanks.
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
You're welcome, Dtc. I might have spoken a little too soon, though. I see that the headphone output on the SLP-05 is transformer coupled. It would probably be a good idea to ask Cary if running that output into 5K would result in any sonic issues, due to the very light loading of the transformer, and if it would raise any issues with respect to long-term reliability.

As you are most likely aware, tube power amplifiers having output transformers should not be operated without a speaker or equivalent load being connected, at least when a signal is being processed by the amp, due to the possibility of damage or degraded long term reliability from "inductive kickback." I don't feel totally certain that that consideration is inapplicable to this situation, with 5K representing close to no load for the transformer coupled headphone output.

I suspect the answer will be "no problem," but I'd suggest checking with them to be sure.

Regards,
-- Al
knownothing OP
1,655 posts
 
Thanks all, helpful discussion. I have a Graco headphone amp as well, the AC version, not the battery version. Using Grafo cans too. Thought I would go all-Brooklyn for a while.

How do I know what the right output level is, should I choose to run through my headphone amp as a Pre, trial and error? This reminds me of my days making tapes and learning how to deal with full dynamic range recording and tape saturation/undersaturation issues. kn
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Thanks Al. Will do.
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