Legit Reviews

Ok, so I'm showing my age, but hey, I've got loads of vinyl LP's & 45's I'd love to be able to enjoy again on my IPod and PC.
Anybody out there have any opinions or reviews of turntables or set ups to rip vinyl to pc? I've seen some kits that include a turntable, 1/8" to RCA adapters and software, but I already have a Sound Blaster X-Fi card and Nero software so I don’t really need all that. I’ve also seen a turntable with a USB connector to plug right in to my PC. I have an old Technics turntable but would need to buy a pre-amp, so I figured I’d just update to a newer turntable w/ pre-amp built in.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I've never actually used any vinyl turntables, but they do make fairly nice ones now that can be had for cheap. they usaully hookup via MIDI or USB. Your best bet is probally to go down to a big music shop (such as SamAsh) and talk to them. They (usually) know what they're talking about as most of the staff are musicians (much better than BestBuy where most of the staff doesn't own a computer ) just make sure they know you needs cause most turntables are for stratching nowaday. If you need some software, check out Audacity. GL with the conversion.


BTW some vinyls are worth big $$$, maybe back it up to your iPod and sell the vinyl for a processor upgrade...

Thanks…… just used your link to download Audacity. I intended to go to some stereo shops (not Best Buy type) and check out what's available. Want one like I used to have that uses a strobe to control and fine tune the speed the record plays at. Just trying to see what others have used. Have read articles in PC mags (Maximum PC, PC World) saying to use pre-amp or turntable w/pre-amp built in.
As far as selling my vinyl, NO WAY. I know it's worth $$$ but I enjoy the album art (covers and sleeves) and consider them collectors items (to me at least).

I bought one of those ION usb turntables for bout $140...not bad really..i think the audacity software has an issue with my X-Fi sound card since it has this scratchy sound that come up every now and then.just an annoyance but when it works it works great..just gotta download that Lame mp3 plug-in to convert to mp3's from audacity.Not sure if the turntable i got has the controls u were wonderni about but it does do 2 speeds from what i can tell and has a 45 adapter.not bad really..just the software isnt what i think it should be

The Ion USB model is the one I keep seeing, but is doesn't have strobe for speed control. Does the speed sound accurate? Recall some turntables sounded a little fast. Does the built in pre-amp have enough power to make a decent volume recording? Looked like the easiest to hook up and I know USB tends to configure itself, so thought that would be another plus.

Thanks for the heads up on the Audacity software issue. I need to read up but I think my Nero (have Lame in here) and or my X-Fi will allow me to rip from LP to mp3.

Well I did it. Just ordered an Audio Technica AT-PL120S. Came with Cakewalk so I guess I need to read up on how to use it.

Had the strobe to control speed (pitch) of turntable and as direct drive and also included the cables to connect to my PC.

I'll keep you posted after it arrives and I learn to use it.

Doesn't Windows Media Player 11 have a built in mp3 converter now?

Not sure, but I also have the software that came with my X-Fi card and Lame installed in my Nero, so may not need Cakewalk. Don't know much about ripping Vinyl to MP3, so will have to learn as I go along.