Re: Archiving audio (high fidelity)?
On Sat, Feb 09, 2008 at 05:25:55PM -0500, Zach wrote:
> I would like to transfer my collection of LPs (record albums) and
> audio cassette tapes onto optical media for archival.
>
> I have a high end CD player and a medium end LP player and wonder
> precisely how I can transfer these to DVD?
>
> I would like to maintain the highest possible fidelity so even dumping
> to .WAV or .FLAC is fine with me.
Make standard CDs instead of MP3. If you have lots of storage space,
you can archive the .iso files. When you run out of space, its a good
excuse to go buy an LTO :) [Honest honey, I need to transfer the music
off of the 99 cent cassette tapes onto $40 LTO cassette tapes, but
they'll hold 146 tapes-worth so its a bargain (100 GB per LTO / 700 MB
per audio cassette)]. For treasured LPs that haven't been re-issued on
CD it may be a serious idea.
>
> I have audio cables with gold plated connectors and my CD player is
> connected to a powered amplifier.
>
Well, you won't need the amplifier really but since its hooked up, treat
the computer like a second tape drive. However, for the best sound
quality, you want an external sound box not an internal card.
> Also I want to remove any cracks or pops from the LPs (especially)
> before archiving.
Look at the gramophile package.
> What settings should my amplifier have (or the sound card) when I do this?
>
Just hook the computer up as a tape deck. Line out on the sound card to
line in (a.k.a. 'play') on the amp. Line in on the sound card to line
out (a.k.a. 'record') on the amp. Use high quality shielded cable.
If you use a built-in sound card, you'll need the 1/8" plug to RCA plug
adapter. Keep all sound wires away from any computer wires and away
from power cables. Ensure that the sound system and the computer are
on compatible circuits to prevent a ground-loop.
> I have a relatively cheap sound card so what sound card would you
> recommend for this project (it must be Linux friendly)?
>
An external box. The only ones I've seen (never used) are Roland.
> I saw this USB device (apparently it uses a custom USB board to do the
> D/A conversion with claimed high fidelity) Xitel Import Deluxe device
> at Radio Shack:
> http://www.xitel.com/USA/prod_inportdl.htm
>
> But it only seems to save to MP3 and comes with MS Windows software only.
>
> If you can be as specific as possible that would really help
> (hardware, software, procedures, tips, etc.)
Just like any piece of equipment, especially sound equipment, you get
what you pay for. Radio Shack will have stuff that will work for the
bebop croud who can't tell the difference between MP3 on ear buds and a
real Hi-Fi LP (which is better than CD). Check out Roland. Find an
audiophile store near you and see what they suggest.
AFAIK, the external sound boxes have a card that goes in the computer
like a sound card and connect to an external box with a data cable. The
external box presents the RCA sockets for audio patch and has all the
D/A converters in so that its digital data that goes to the card in the
computer. It would have to work with linux. The best way to determine
this, if the manufacturer doesn't say it does, is to google the item
name and include the term 'linux' and see what comes up.
Enjoy and good luck.
Doug.
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