Analogue to Digital Converter

[Gazzip]

Is there a quality A to D product out there which will allow me to run my turntable phono preamplifier via my DAC? My amp works best when it has a single source connected to it. Basically in this mode it is a direct connection to the output stage with no relays in the signal path, just a wire.

Is using a A to D converter to then go D back to A via the DAC a dumb idea which will defeat the object of a TT in the first place? If I proceed down the studio active path something like this is goint to be necessary anyway I think because my Phono pre is RCA output and unbalanced?

Any suggestions?

 

[abacus]

Most Phono interfaces are designed to connect to a computer via USB, so if your DAC has a USB input, then you will be fine, otherwise you will need to get a line input ADC (There boatloads available in the pro market), and connect your phono pre-amp to that. (Either way you will get a much better product at a fraction of the price in the pro market)

Hope this helps

Bill

 

[iMark]

I use an old Sony Minidisc deck (MDS-JE520) as an ADC for recording LP's on an old MacBook. The MacBook has got an optical input and the Sony has optical out. Obviously the bitrate of the Sony is 16/44.1 (CD quality) but that is more than good enough for capturing old records.

I have actually connected the Sony to our DAC (Cambridge Audio DACMagic) with a Toslink cable and it obviously works. However, there is no improvement in sound since the record player is directly connected to the phono stage in the stereo receiver and the captured sound is from the tape out. However, if you're just looking for an ADC, an old Minidisc or DAT or DCC deck will work. Just don't expect them to have a USB output.

 

[Gazzip]

Most Phono interfaces are designed to connect to a computer via USB, so if your DAC has a USB input, then you will be fine, otherwise you will need to get a line input ADC (There boatloads available in the pro market), and connect your phono pre-amp to that. (Either way you will get a much better product at a fraction of the price in the pro market)

Hope this helps

Bill

Thanks Bill. It does help, but pro-market products tends to have xlr inputs whereas my phono stage has RCA outputs only. To make matters more difficult my DAC's USB input is being used. What I am looking for would have to be an ADC with RCA inputs and any of the usual suspect outputs - coaxial, optical or AES-EBU XLR.

There are some really cheap £15 jobs out there on eBay and Amazon that offer these connections, but I would imagine they are not up to the job?

 

[DocG]

Thanks Bill. It does help, but pro-market products tends to have xlr inputs whereas my phono stage has RCA outputs only. To make matters more difficult my DAC's USB input is being used. What I am looking for would have to be an ADC with RCA inputs and any of the usual suspect outputs - coaxial, optical or AES-EBU XLR.

Hi Gazzip,

If it's the RCA outputs that hold you back, just get RCA - XLR cables, like the ones Colin sells on his iQ/Nord website. I have my Bluesound Node connected to my DIY Ncore amp with such a cable (DIY also, of course) and it works a treat.

For ADC duties, I bagged me a second hand Lucid 8 channel AD/DA. Like a lot of pro-stuff, it has AES3 for digital in- and outputs.

 

[abacus]

Connecting unbalanced outputs to balanced inputs will give you the same performance as connecting unbalanced to unbalanced. (There are plenty of leads and adaptors available that go from one to the other)

SP-DIF was very popular in the pro market for many years, and most interfaces still support it, so you will easily find something to suit. (Something top notch (At least in Hi-Fi terms) can be picked up for less than £100, however, unless it is known quality brand in the pro world I would avoid the cheap ones on EBay)

Hope this helps

Bill