Opinions on Reference LP Digitization System ...


I'm considering my options for digitizing my LP collection, and, after doing a bit of research, came up with the following list of components (with current retail prices, noted). Computer itself not included in list. This is all hypothetical.

I'd be aiming for 'reference' but not 'money doesn't matter at all'.

Maybe, rather than choosing/commenting on what *you* would personally choose, think of the following: imagine 100 audiophiles are in a room, including you - what set-up would have the highest average score?

In terms of cartridge, do you think pure neutrality would win out on average (and if so, what cartridge would you suggest) or slightly sweeter/warmer (and again, if so, what cartridge)? Other cartridge thoughts?

Feel free to pick apart the list, but if you substitute something more expensive, that means having to sacrifice elsewhere (the hypothetical list below totals approx. $42,000, so think of approx. $45,000 as your budget, buying new (not from Audiogon)).

Many thanks in advance for any comments received.

VPI HR-X TT + JMW 12.7 tonearm + Valhalla wiring ($15,000)
Air Tight PC-1 Supreme cartridge ($9,000)
Kimber Kable PK14 Palladian power cord for TT ($1,300)
Ginko Cloud 11 (medium) isolation platform for TT ($600)
Ginko dustcover for TT ($400)
Channel D Seta L (rechargeable battery) phonopreamp ($4,100)
Kimber Kable Orchid (preamp-aesb digital connect) ($700)
Lynx AES16 soundcard ($700)
Shunyata Cyclops power conditioner ($2,000)
Grand Prix Audio Monaco 3 shelf stand ($2,900)
VPI Typhoon record cleaner ($2,700)
Furutech DeMag LP demagnetizer ($2,700)
Aesthetix ABCD-1 cartridge demagnetizer ($200)
herschelr
... and Greenkiwi, yes, the software I'd use would be PureVinyl by ChannelD - I was more focussing on getting the signal from the record to the software ...

C.
You might look at the Lynx Hilo A/D - D/A, which Rob from Channel D has been demoing with lately. It should equal or better the AES16.

For the TT/arm/cart part of the equation, I think you need to go for the analog sound YOU LIKE best, though I appreciate why you've posed the 100 audiophiles thought exercise. Based on a recent audition, and if you want to go much less costly, I think the Well Tempered Amadeus with a good Dynavector cartridge would float a lot of those 100 boats.
For that high a budget I'd definitely want to put more money into the AD conversion aspect. That is where it's at if you ask me. I recorded LPs for years and the improvements a wadia 17 AD converter brought was significant. I'm sure there are other great AD converters out there.
Many thanks for responses so far.

My 'list' was formed partly after reading the Stereophile article on PureVinyl software, where MF notes: "Whether you use your own phono preamplifier or one of the Setas to rip LPs, you're also going to need a good 24-bit/192kHz-capable soundcard—or, if you're using a laptop, a good outboard A/D converter" which suggested to me (since I have a desktop) that Seta preamp + soundcard = all I need. It seems (maybe I'm wrong) that this is perhaps a typo, and that yes, I'd need to include the A/D converter between the pre-amp and soundcard.

Initial thought just with a quick look on the Net is the Forssell MADC-2 ($3,000).

C.