Digitizing LP's tapes etc using ZP90 digital outputs

[RobinGB]

Hi,

I want to digitise all my old records with only 1 A to D conversion being done by the Zone player, i.e. turntable > amp phono in > amp line out > to ZP90/120 line in > zp90 digital out (optic or coax) > PC.

However my PC doesn't have a digital audio input. I googled for such a device but didnt find anything, i.e. Audio digital to USB converter etc.

I have researched the forum on recording LP's but most suggest using the line-out of the second ZP and feeding into the line in of the PC which is 3 AtoD/DtoA conversions.

Also I assume the AtoD of the ZP90/120 is going to be better than going straight from Amp to my Laptops HD capable sound card?

Any help please on where to get an Audio Digital to USB2 or firewire converter would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

[Cecilia]

drsox was kind enough to set up a SocialGroup (go into your control panel and look under "Networking" in the left menu) to help us out with this. You might check there for some really great ideas.

[drsox]

Originally Posted by RobinGB

Hi,

I want to digitise all my old records with only 1 A to D conversion being done by the Zone player, i.e. turntable > amp phono in > amp line out > to ZP90/120 line in > zp90 digital out (optic or coax) > PC.

However my PC doesn't have a digital audio input. I googled for such a device but didnt find anything, i.e. Audio digital to USB converter etc.

I have researched the forum on recording LP's but most suggest using the line-out of the second ZP and feeding into the line in of the PC which is 3 AtoD/DtoA conversions.

Also I assume the AtoD of the ZP90/120 is going to be better than going straight from Amp to my Laptops HD capable sound card?

Any help please on where to get an Audio Digital to USB2 or firewire converter would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

I spent 2 years converting my Analogue Audio stuff and IMO there is no substitute for running the output from your Amp (actually the PreAmp as the best signal to use is the Tape Record Out signal) direct to the AtoD stage of a good quality PC sound card.

If you really want to use a USB out Audio converter, try looking at the m-Audio version : http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html. I used their Audiophile 2496 PC card - lots of good reviews available. There used to be a USB version but the Transit is now the nearest available.

[pvpeacock]

I use a Creative Sound Blaster external sound card to convert LP's. Turntable to Phono In on my Amp; Amp to Creative Sound Blaster via audio out (digital or composite); Creative Sound Blaster to PC via USB. I then use Spin It Again software on the PC to separate the tracks and initially tag the artist, album and song names. Then I convert it to FLAC with EAC and use MediaMonkey to add album art and fix any tagging issues. Good luck.

[renowden]

Originally Posted by RobinGB

turntable > amp phono in > amp line out > to ZP90/120 line in > zp90 digital out (optic or coax) > PC.

Hi Robin, I do my digitising exactly that way and it keeps me fit as the PC is a flight of stairs from the turntable. My computer has a digital input so I don't have your problem but in the past I have used the E-Mu products which do a good job. The model 0404 was the one I used but I see that the USB model is a bit pricey - very good quality though.

[RobinGB]

thanks to all for the very helpfull comments.

Drsox - thank you for posting your experience on the community site, I will make myself familiar with audacity. My integrated soundcard has a SNR of only 90db (an Analog Devices Inc 1984A SoundMax card) so not very good.

I have spent several hours trying to find out what the SNR of the ZP90 ADC is but can't find that info so I have started a seperate thread to see if anyone knows. If the ZP90 is significantly better then I will buy a coax S/PDIF to USB converter (I have now found some now I know to use the search term S/PDIF).

Thanks again to everyone for your very helpfull posts.

Good luck,