ION iTTUSB USB Turntable

Serendipity

Is the ION iTTUSB turntable any good? I've always wanted to get into vinyl and the added plus of being able to attach to any PC is nice. I could transfer records to my HTPC and play them from the turntable, so that I won't have to worry about scratches and the like.

What do you guys think?

Face

I've never heard one, but they look and feel very cheap.

Don't worry, all the scratches from the record will transfer over to your PC.

Serendipity

Face wrote: »

I've never heard one, but they look and feel very cheap.

Don't worry, all the scratches from the record will transfer over to your PC.

I saw this at CC yesterday. It seemed VERY cheap but the tonearm and cartridge seemed well built - quite odd, as it seems like it may actually sound ok for the price.

Does anybody know how this sounds?

strider

If you're hellbent on getting a table that can output via USB, Pro-ject makes a version of the Debut with a USB phono section built into it.

There are a couple other ways to skin that cat. If you have an outboard phono section, you can run the RCA's right to your soundcard. If you don't have an outboard phono section, but have line outs on your pre/receiver, you can do the same thing.

sucks2beme

Or spend a $100 at guitar center for a pc recording card with software.
That way you can use your regular table and also have all the pc gizmo's to make it sound good.

Serendipity

Keiko,

Thanks for the recommendation on the Audio-Technica turntable, I'll be sure to check it out!!

Now I barely know anything about vinyl, but those pops/scratches I was talking about - is there any way (besides Audacity) to restore vinyl? I'd hate to have my favorite album ruined after 100's of plays since the record might accidentally get scratched in handling?

ben62670

http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-PL50-Fully-Automatic-Turntable-with-Switchable-Phono-Pre-amp?sc=2&category=46
Read the review
I can get this like new for $40 and ship it to you.
An RCA to mini adaptor is all you would need to hook it to your PC's line in.

ben62670

Keiko wrote: »

Everything wears over time so keeping the record clean and storing it properly is the key appadv. Audicity doesn't necessarily restore the vinyl. It's used as a tool to transfer analog to digital and has plug-in filters to remove a nuance like cracks/pops. Depending on the condition of the record you may not need to use them.

One thing about those tools is that they can adversely affect the SQ. Try to clean the albums with a good cleaner first.
Ben

ben62670

The newer software is a big step up from the older stuff for sure, but no matter what you lose some resolution from things like percussion instruments. I think we are on the same page here. I just recommend a real good cleaning, and try to get the conversion that way. If that doesn't work by all means use a good tool like audacity.
Ben

TroyD

You know, I've wondered about this. Is it really necessary to have a USB compatible table? What's the point?

Do I really need to put LP on an iPod or whatever?

I dunno, just seems sorta weird to me. I've seen the table and it looks like a fisher price toy.

BDT

SCompRacer

ben62670 wrote: »

.... but no matter what you lose some resolution from things like percussion instruments.

I make CD's from my vinyl collection to listen to at work. (A TT would get destroyed at work). I use the free program Audacity. Pre amp tape out to PC. The majority of my LP's are in fine shape, but some used ones I picked up have pops and clicks (even after steam cleaning). ClickRepair at $40 is a nice budget solution. They have a 21 day free trial so you can try before you buy. ClickRepair can remove "false clicks" (actual transients in the music) if it is set too high (over 30). Keep it in the 10-25 range. Another trick some folks swear by is to reverse the raw recording and then de-click.

Folks that don't mind spending can get the Sony Noise Reduction plugin. It is much more expensive though, ~ $300 IIRC.

Serendipity

TroyD wrote: »

You know, I've wondered about this. Is it really necessary to have a USB compatible table? What's the point?

Do I really need to put LP on an iPod or whatever?

I dunno, just seems sorta weird to me. I've seen the table and it looks like a fisher price toy.

BDT

Well, I like the idea because I can archive LP's to the computer so that they won't get scratched further, (preserving the recording).

TroyD

Gotcha, I mean....I dunno I guess I see it. I guess if I wanted it digital, I'd get it from iTunes or some such. Not knocking the idea, mind you, it's just something I hadn't really considered, you know?

I guess I see the record scratching thing but, hell in the past few years, I don't think I've put a scratch on an LP..but then, I'm pretty anal about them I guess.

What has me curious is that I gotta think in and of itself, the table is crap. Can it really do justice to a good LP? I could see doing some sort of thing with my table but this ION thing? Eff that.

BDT

Serendipity

TroyD wrote: »

Gotcha, I mean....I dunno I guess I see it. I guess if I wanted it digital, I'd get it from iTunes or some such. Not knocking the idea, mind you, it's just something I hadn't really considered, you know?

BDT

I never really wanted it digital. I actually like the fact that it's vinyl. But I'm all into preserving the sound for casual plays (for serious listening, I would take out the LP) so that the record wouldn't get scratched.

I don't know - I'm not really into vinyl yet.

Serendipity

Troy,

What if my roommate scratches my favorite LP? What if he gets drunk and gets stuff all over the record? And accidents happen.

I'd be interested in something like a Music Hall MMF-9.1, but those are too expensive. I'm on a budget!

TroyD

You kick his **** and make him replace it.

Good point and one I don't have to deal with.

For the money, you can do better than the MMF 9.1. At that point, I'd be looking VPI, Nottingham, Rega....Not that it's a bad table but at THAT price point, there are better options. With the Music Hall, the sweetspot, IMO is the MMF-5. Beyond that, there are better options.

BDT

madmax

I have a CD recorder and it not only preserves the recording, it preserves the presentation. Of course you need a good table to get the good sound. To be the cheapest for a better sound I would get an entry level table for around $200 and worry about feeding it to my pc through a sound card. Personally I would never run it through software to fix it other than to experiment.
madmax

Serendipity

This statement will probably offend everyone...

But I'm really into preserving records whether it be to tape, CD, computer, whatever. I'd like to copy everything to the PC so that I can play it through my system without any worries of getting the records damaged.

With this kind of setup, I can connect the HTPC to a Media Center extender, or a whole-house audio system so that I can enjoy vinyl sound everywhere. That means I can have it playing in the 2ch system, upstairs, or on any PC in the house.

For critical listening sessions - sure, I'd take out the vinyl and play it back through the DefTechs. But on campus, heck no - I'm not bringing a turntable or any vinyl, PC is the way to go 100%.

TroyD

That's cool, I can definately see that.

A bunch of drunk morons and a turntable is a BAD combination.

BDT

Serendipity

TroyD wrote: »

That's cool, I can definately see that.

A bunch of drunk morons and a turntable is a BAD combination.

BDT

Yup, it's a diaster waiting to happen.

Serendipity

Keiko wrote: »

hehe...Where do you live appadv? Animal House?

I live at school.

Serendipity

Keiko,

What about the Technics turntables? There is one (I forget the model #) that looks like the Audio-Technica AT-PL120, but it's a little more expensive. Is that a good turntable?

Serendipity

Yeah, that's the one I'm talking about.

But in terms of sound quality (I don't care about the DJ features), wouldn't the Audio-Technica be 95% of what the Technics is?

Serendipity

Keiko wrote: »

I have no complaints w/my Audio-Technica Alex. It's built solid and sounds quite smooth to my old ears. The 1200MK is a little better on some technical specs, but both tables are pretty much identical in feature set. For under $200.00, the AT-PL120 is quite a bargain compared to the Technics. You can compare the technical data/specs on both tables from the links.

I looked at the specs and they are similar in features. I guess the Audio-Technica is the better deal then.

The only issue I have is that I can't find the Audio-Technica for under $200 at any store around here. And no, I'm not buying online after I got scammed before.

Serendipity

Keiko wrote: »

With amazon you're pretty safe buying online. Amazon has that A-Z Guarantee. I invoked it a couple times recently on some CD's and they reimbursed me cost + shipping. Credit Card purchases, the issuing bank usually has your back too. ebay and paypal purchases, yeah, I can understand. I've been shying away from ebay more and more these days.

Sure, but if you were in my position and lost well over $1000, wouldn't you at least be a little bit weary of buying any gear online?

Just saying...

Serendipity

Keiko wrote: »

:eek: Wow! That sucks man. Not sure what the situation was, but forking out that much dough I'd definitely make sure I had a recourse if something went south. Did you try pursuing to get your $ back? There are ways of getting to these crooks bro. I'd be happy to help you out if you're willing to put an hour or so of time into it.

Of course I did. Can you PM me?