Digital Phono Pre-amp Advice

[Sherwood]

Hi,

having recently returned to the UK I am rediscovering my extensive vinyl collection that has been in storage for the best part of two decades. Although I have purchased duplicate cds of much of my vinyl collection, there are many titles not available on cd. Before going overseas again I would like to do quality rips of those albums.

My question is this: can anyone recommend a good quality phono preamp with digital outputs (preferably optical). I am aware of what is on the market from Creative Labs, Rega, Nad, Pro-ject etc but I really want to hear from a user. Ideally, the chosen unit would have an mc input, but if necessary I could use a step up transformer. I would like to keep the transfer chain as simple as possible though.

thanks for any info ..

[robtweed]

One suggestion - have you considered doing this using software for RIAA conversion? eg http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/ripping-vinyl-using-pure-vinyls-software-riaa-correction-vs-using-analog-phono-stage-25328/

Not tried it myself but the idea is quite appealing I think. You'd need a device with good microphone pre-amps to feed the raw phono signal into.

[Sherwood]

Interesting suggestion. I did wonder if this was possible. I actually have two devices capable of recording Linear PCM wav files (one in 24/96). I guess I would feed the analogue phono out signal via a rca to 3.5 stereo jack plug and then correct the recording afterwards.

Mmmm!

[Ammonite Audio]

I've bought one of these http://uk.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-digital-music-premium-hd , mainly to make running the Feickert Adjust+software a bit easier. It seems to have as good a spec as anything else, at a fair price; and it has that optical output that you want.

[Sherwood]

I looked at this online. Do you have a file you could send me to show the quality of the rip? The price is very attractive.

[Ammonite Audio]

Sorry - I have yet to use it, but the spec looks to be good, especially for the price.