I have tried recording LP's both using a computer (Macintosh) and a stand alone deck (the one I have is the Tascam CD RW750 which allows you to use CD-R's that work in a computer instead of the audio CD-R's which cost more). I like the sound quality, the ease of use and the ability to listen to the LP on my main system while recording using the Tascam allows, to my ears the recordings sound better than the LP to CD conversions I do on my computer maybe because you don't have all the internal noise that a computer has swimming around inside. The only problem is that you will not be able to do any clean up (surface noise) recording on a stand alone deck. However, you can take the CD you just burned on the stand alone and import the music onto your computer for clean-up.

On my computer I have a M-Audio Firewire Audiophile interface that I have have connected a Ear phono preamp. The software I use is Peak Pro, SoundSoap Pro, Sound Studio and Toast 7. I use Peak to bring the music in and equalize the various tracks, Sound Soap to clean up the surface noise if any, Sound Studio (If I am importing from a CD) and then burn my CD with Toast 7. I find recording LP's on my computer to take more time and does not offer the listening experience I get with my Tascam connected to my main sound system.

Jeff

What kind of computer - Mac or PC - desk top or laptop?

Hi,

It is a Macintosh, I have both a PowerMac G5 Quad 2.5 (Desktop) and a PowerBook G4 17" 1.67 (Laptop). I burn my CD's using an external LaCie 52X CD burner and print my artwork directly onto the CD using an Epson 2400 printer. I do computer consulting for a living (I have to live in the same world as my clients so I have to buy the latest stuff when it comes out to keep up) so my stuff is pretty up-to-date.

Jeff

Since you're in the Mac environment, I can recommend what I've used for a couple of years with good success: RCA to mini cable out of Rec-Out to Mic-in on your Powerbook, Software called Sound Studio available from Apple Store or Felttip software. Sound Studio includes good user friendly analysis, enhancement and repair tools and costs about $80. . I've also tried Amadeus and the Roxio stuff, but I liked Sound Studio best. When you're satisfied with your transfer, drop it into iTunes and go. Life is good with a Mac. Have fun.

I forgot to warn you against use of a USB interface made by Griffin, called the iMic. When I first got involved with transferring LP to CD, I bought one of them on the advice of an Apple store clerk. I had to learn the hard way that it did more harm than good. The Mic-in connection on your powerbook is nice and clean.

Hi,

I already have Sound Studio (I used it when importing directly from CD), but Peak Pro is better (though much more expensive) more tools for cleaning and editing the tracks (removing those 20 minute drum solo's from Grateful Dead live albums), For inputing from my turntable, I use an M-Audio Firewire interface (which does the D/A conversion outside of the computer where in theory there is less noise), EAR Phono preamp and VPI Scoutmaster turntable, which I have found offers the best sound quality (this is my dedicated computer set-up). I can use the M-Audio interface with either my PowerMac or my PowerBook. For the most part I think I have a pretty state-of-art sound system for my computer.

I never use iTunes to burn my CD's, Toast with Jam allows me to burn much more professional CD's then iTunes.

Jeff

Sorry for the confusion, Dogface. When I asked, "What kind of computer....", I was asking that of the anonymous poster hoping to offer him a less costly approach than the one you offered. I mistakenly assumed the response listing Mac hardware was from him yada yada yada. Guess he dropped out, and we both wasted some time and effort offering alternative solutions. See you around.

Hey,

No problem, always like to discuss alternative ways of doing things, can usually find a way to do stuff that I have not thought of before. BTW it is always great to hear from another Mac person since there are not too many of us around (I wonder if the percentage of Mac users is higher among audiophiles?)

Jeff

My guess is Mac's are more popular with audiophiles. JA uses a Powerbook for some pretty demanding stuff, for example.