[XCSSA] Converting Vinyl Records to Compact Disk

[xcssa@xcssa.org]

I've copied a number of out-of-print LP's to CD using old high-end  
equipment I've described earlier.

Cleaning and playing both sides of the LP, then editing the recording  
(beginning, end, track divisions), takes time.  When I add it to my  
itunes harddrive song collection, it also takes extra time because  
every track needs to be labeled (iTunes can't simply "look it up" in  
its online database).  It also takes time to create the CD, then make  
a backup copy, which I usually do, test both copies, then delete the  
temporary tracks from my Masterlink harddrive, then label the CD-R's  
with a black marker.

I use a SAE 5000A for pop removal, if I think the record needs it.   
However, if you get really perfectionistic about pop removal, I'd use  
a software tool, and that can greatly increase editing time.

I think Audacity DOES HAVE click and pop removal, as do Nero and many  
other programs I have, though a dedicated program might be best.   
I've never tried them.  I imagine that could take a lot of time if  
you wanted to get perfectionistic about it and set the optimal  
parameters for each pop.

Anyway, even in the fairly simple way I do things, it still takes  
about 2 hours of "extra" time, as compared with simply popping a new  
CD in the drive to add to my collection.  Sometimes it takes longer,  
particularly if I haven't done it in awhile and forget all the steps  
or need to clean out the dust on my turntable.

Comparing 2-3 hours of my very limited time for copying an inferior  
version of music I like to buying a new "perfect sound forever" CD  
for $15, I think I'll usually opt for the CD if it's obtainable, and  
particularly if I can get the CD in some discount set...

I'm not planning to give my collection of 1000 LP records away just  
yet, but I've started wondering if I'm really going to be copying  
them all someday as I assumed I would.  Probably at least 10% of my  
LP's will never be available on CD, and those at least are worth  
copying if I really need them.

For example, recently I got a complete collection of Beethoven  
Symphonies and Piano Concertos on 10 audio CD's for $35.  It features  
conductor Otto Klemperer and pianist Daniel Barenboim, considered  
among the best interpreters of Beethoven.  The recordings were made  
in the early 1960's, but they are about as good as any.  The  
Klemperer set is the cheapest of the highly regarded sets.  You can  
also get the Szell Beethoven Symphony collection, which some like  
better, but the collection costs $99 (you can find 2-symphony Szell's  
for about $7 each, which is cheaper than buying the set; it may be an  
older "mastering" but probably is nearly as good).  I got a few of  
the Szell CD's too.  Now I don't have much remaining motivation to  
copy my Beethoven LP's to digital.

I don't see any advantage in buying "files" online since they aren't  
significantly cheaper.  I pretty much play everything through my  
digital Sonos system nowadays, but I still like having CD's which are  
uncompressed and which I can copy to any present or future computer  
without much hassle.  I use only uncompressed AIFF and WAV format  
files for Sonos, which gives me digital and analog outputs in every  
room.

Charles




On Oct 16, 2007, at 8:40 PM, xcssa-admin@xcssa.org wrote:

>> Wow,
>>
>> I have some old albums.  Where did you get it?  And how much was it?
>>
>> Luis
>
>
> Sharper Image in North Star Mall had 7 USB turntables come in last
> Thursday.  They are right at $200.00 though you might be able to find
> them cheaper online somewhere.  I was more interested in getting one
> in my hands right away than waiting for one to ship from
> who-knows-where.  I THINK that Brookstone has a similar one but I'm
> not sure.
>
> Jim Wells
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