Turntable recommendations for vinyl to digital music files

[jveezer]

I have a Audio Technica LP120-USB turntable, which seems to be a "USB Device" that does not allow level adjustment, which even the cheapest tapedecks had in the days of cassettes. What is the use of that? The one attempt I made to convert to mp3 files resulted in very low level, very treble-ly files that were unlistenable. Maddeningly, in searching the internet I haven't found one USB turntable whose specs tell me whether this seemingly important feature is part of their capabilities. I'm (trying to) use VinylStudio on a Mac.

Can anyone point me to turntables (or other components) that will allow me to make high quality mp3s, or preferable FLAC, files from my vinyl? Bonus points if the turntables are still available new on the market and if they are not in the four figure range...

Thanks!

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

They are all rubbish.  Something like the NAD PP 4 with a conventional turntable (maybe second hand) is the way to go.

The NAD controls the level via a knob on the front.

[jveezer]

Ahh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

I don't think NAD have made a great job of marketing it 🤷�♂️

[Andy Morris]

What happens if you adjust the volume in Sound Settings -> Device properties? 

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

Nothing useful - it's a sham and VinylStudio bypasses it.

[LtMandella]

Ahh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!

I can recommend the IFI phono preamp also.  It supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges and has a highly useful rumble filter.  I use it with a MusicHall MF 7.1 tt.  Sounds wonderful. That cartridge and preamp combination beat my Grado gold/Creek preamp by a lot...

[Lewis]

I can recommend the IFI phono preamp also.

Hi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.

[LtMandella]

not phone. phono preamp with RIAA eq.

[LtMandella]

Hi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.

Not noisy with my cartridge, amps, and speakers.
I do use an Ultrasonic cleaning for all my LPs...

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

You will all no doubt be pleased to hear that I have banned Lewis.  We don't need that here.

[Careyw]

I know this is an old post, but it started me thinking, so hoping it's ok to revisit.

The recommended NAD phono pre-amp is great (it was how I started out with Vinyl Studio) but included the USB out port you need to use Vinyl Studio. More specifically it is an ADC, analogue to digital converter as well. The IFI phono pre-amp is great (I have one now as the NAD died, and believe it's better as a phono pre-amp) - BUT it doesn't do the ADC thing as far as I can see

When the NAD died, I ended up getting a FocusRite Scarlett USB Audio device and using it to do the ADC part. Works well and very happy with the outcome, but wondering what else is out there to cover this requirement. The USB output turntables seem dodgy as noted (are they all rubbish?) and I've only seen a couple of devices like the NAD (Thorens make one, as do Rega). Any others people are aware of and recommend? Any reason why the ADC function in the many USB audio devices out there, is not a good option? Thanks!

[Indy33]

I've only seen a couple of devices like the NAD (Thorens make one, as do Rega). Any others people are aware of and recommend? Any reason why the ADC function in the many USB audio devices out there, is not a good option? Thanks!

I'm using a Korg DS-DAC-R and getting good results. It will record up DSD128. It has it's own software for recording, but it's not exactly easy tp use until you get it figured out. Probably just use VS instead.

It has a headphone out on the front with a separate volume control. If you want speaker then you will have to hook up an amp for that. What I like about this is the headphone volume can be controlled separate from the speaker volume. It sells for $330 on Amazon.

https://www.korg.com/us/products/audio/ds_dac_10r/
https://www.amazon.com/Korg-DSDAC10R-SOFTWARE-ANALOG-CONVERTER/dp/B017TZ0KYO/ref

If you really want to go high end then the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE can be used for a cost of $1999.
https://www.rme-usa.com/adi-2-4-pro-se.html
.

[Indy33]

Check out these links for more ideas.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/what-can-i-use-to-record-my-lps.1219632/#post-37368813

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/your-vinyl-transfer-workflow-sharing-best-needledrop-practices.250442/
.

[Careyw]

  thanks