Vinyl To Cd - Better Interface Than Line-in?, (What Again?) Options

[Peter B.]

Hello:

No doubt this question has already been answered a thousand times, but...

All I want to do is transcribe vinyl LPs to CD. I've been using the line level inputs on two different PowerBooks (G3 and G4), but can definitely hear the 'loss' in the final product.

I'm wondering if an external USB analog to digital device will give better results?

The iMic is not (apparently) thought highly of here, but might it be a noticeable improvement over the straight line-in arrangement?

And/or is there a relatively inexpensive alternative that would give a superior result?

Thanks very much for your time and patience.

Peter B.

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[mortalengines]

Don't want to confuse the issue any more than necessary - try first the output from your receiver if you can get it down to the 1/8" input on your I book with minimal fuss or muss(headphone output maybe?). It may be a little touch and go but you will probably find something that sounds acceptable. If you look around you may be able to find a used turntable preamp at some type of consumer audio place that specializes in phonographic equipment (alot of really old consumer high fidelity systems had a turntable preamp & output that was a separate deal altogether from the radio receiver, etc, etc.). What I would say is don't be afraid to try a couple of different things with what you have already & keep plugging away until you are satisfied with the results. You don't need to get all "pristine" about it if you are the only one who will be enjoying it anyway.