Soundcard question

[ragrossman]

Hi,

I'm new here and thinking of copying my vinyl to WAV files to be played on an excellent quality computer based audio system. Will the quality of the copy depend on my computer's soundcard? (I have an inexpensive Dell laptop.) If so, would I be better off using a Sony CD recorder (RCD W-500) or perhaps an Audio-Technica USB turntable?

Thanks!

[steve]

[quote="ragrossman"] Will the quality of the copy depend on my computer's soundcard? /quote]
Yes it will, and the quality of a typical PC on-board sound-card is rubbish for recording.

If you already have a good quality digital recorder, then you are likely to get better quality recordings using that than using a $7 sound-card. (You can still use Audacity for editing).

If you don't have digital recorder, then you can get high quality USB sound cards remarkable cheaply. (search the forum for Behringer and Edirol)

[ragrossman]

How does an external USB sound card like the Behringer or the Edirol compare with an Audio Technica USB or similar turntable in terms of recorded sound quality? Does it depend on the quality of the turntable/cartridge?

Thanks!

[kozikowski]

If you already have a working turntable, you're usually far better off repairing that one and using that with a quality phono-preamp than trying to buy a USB Turntable. The manufacturer's know they're making a throw-away turntable and that's what they built.

A lot of USB turntable manufacturers include Audacity in the package because it does work and it can be had at the appropriate price point. So we get all the horror tales on the forum. Search the forum for "USB Turntable" or, if that doesn't give you enough hits, "ION Turntable."

Koz