Opinions on Reference LP Digitization System ...

While I have no directly relevant experience, my strong instinct would be to use an approach that does not involve having a computer (which of course is a potent generator of RFI and digital noise) either directly connected to, or physically close to, the system you would be using for analog playback and digitization.

I would suggest that you consider recording the output of the A/D converter onto a professional recorder that records onto flash memory cards. Or possibly even using the A/D converter that is typically built into those recorders. A very well regarded although perhaps slightly dated example is the Sound Devices 702, which includes an apparently excellent built-in 24/192 A/D.

Subsequent to digitization and capture of the digital file, you would transfer the file to the computer either via a firewire connection between the recorder and the computer, or by removing the flash memory card from the recorder and inserting it into an inexpensive card reader having a USB interface.

Another point to consider is that if you do any necessary monitoring during LP playback using headphones, the vibration immunity of the turntable and its supporting structure become much less critical than if you were listening to the LP's via speakers, assuming, for example, that you don't live directly above a subway line :-). Taking that into account in selecting a turntable setup could result in a savings of many $thousands without sonic compromise, it seems to me.

Regards,
-- Al

Ejlif and Al - those are insightful comments - thanks.

My investigations leading to the Forssell A/D were directly related to your point, Ejlif.

Al, we were thinking the same thing at about the same time - the 'light bulb' went off for me thinking (what will the a/d feed) 'why a computer?', and those thoughts led me to the Tascam DV-RA1000HD ($1,500).

Further, Al, you've opened up my thoughts to the issue of vibration control and the need for it/extent needed if there's no playback in the system - that is, no loudspeakers creating any vibration - just the components in the system itself/ambient vibration.

Thanks.

C.

C.

The components you've listed, while superb, may not have the flexibility to archive a large vinyl collection. For the sake of clarity I suggest you ignore all the power cords, stands, power conditioners, etc. and just focus upon the turntable, tonearm, cartridge, phono preamp, A/D converter, digital recorder and editing software.

The turntable/tonearm and cartridge should be easily adjustable in all parameters with settings clearly marked. The assumption is that you will optimize playback for each recording which will require VTF, VTA, azimuth, etc. being constantly adjusted. You may want a turntable that supports multiple tonearms. This will make it easier to use a mono cartridge or another cartridge than the AirTight. Some recordings may sound better with different tonearm/cartridge combos.

The phono preamp should have a mono switch and variable load settings accessible on the front panel. Do you need the ability to vary EQ curve? You'll need it if you are going to archive older records with non-RIAA settings.

Are you going to run the phono preamp directly into the A/D or connect them using a preamp? It's important if you want to monitor and compare signals in real time. If the phono preamp doesn't have balanced outputs you'll need to convert to balanced somewhere before the A/D conversion since nearly all high quality converters have only balanced inputs.

The A/D converter should have metering, not just an "over" light. It should also have user adjustable level calibration. Additionally you will need some sort of attenuator at the A/D inputs if the converter doesn't already have one, most don't. Some A/Ds have built-in monitoring capabilities which may be important to your setup.

Your recorder can either be a computer/software combo or a dedicated stand alone recorder. I'd recommend the computer/software route since you'll need it anyway. (The stand alone recorders are basically dedicated computer, so I don't buy the anti-computer argument). However, Korg makes an excellent recorder that will also allow you to record in the Sony DSD format. Don't skimp on the editing software and I strongly recommend you have a noise removal program. If you are going to make CDs from you archives you should note that all SRC programs are not created equal.

A few components you should consider:
Millennia LOC phono preamp
Burl A/D
Mytek AD192
Audiophile Engineering Sample Manager SRC software

Isn't the Channel D phono preamp sans RIAA, which is then applied in software by the computer? I think there's a very good case to be made for going that way. You can choose from different equalizations, use pop and click removal if you want, apply EQ where needed, and so forth. Since you are taking the vinyl into digital, might as well avail yourself of digital's advantages. Which is the whole idea of Channel D and what Rob has been working on for years. Talk to him before you finalize your decisions.

I am in the process of digitizing my albums. You cannot tell the difference between the vinyl and digital copies. Steps include
1. VPI TNT 3.5/rega 600/ Lyra Helikon to Conrad Johnson Premier 15 Series 2 to Korg 2000s
2. Korg to Mac and stored in 96k/24 bit format
3. Play back system: Mac mini to Berkeley alpha usb to Berkeley alpha dac to Conrad johnson et5 to Cary 805C to Wilson Watt Puppy 7.