Tascam DA-3000

Why would want to do a transfer? 1500 albums equals at least that many hours of your time, could be more if you take the time to review the transfer. Is that a productive use of your time? When comforted with that same task, but over 10,000 albums, I could not find it making any sense. So, reconsider.

I do not have the Tascam but I do have a Korg MR-2000s. When you record, it recreates files that are a a maximum of 1 GB. A typical album side is greater than 1 GB, so I end up with a 1 GB file and maybe a .3 GB file.  When I input the files into Korg's AudioGate software, it puts the files together into 1 file (1.3 GB in this case) and everything is fine. I do not think Tascam has software comparable to AudioGate, so you would have to have your processing software put them back together.

At 24/192 or DSD 128 I typically get a album side in well less than 2 GB. So, if you are worried about the software putting the files back together, you can just record one side at a time. If one side goes over 2 GB, you could have the Tascam to create a new file for each track. You can do that with the Tascam's Auto Track function or by manually hitting the Record button  (page 28 of the manual).

Hopefully you will get some input from a DA-3000 user with direct experience.

You might also want to look at the new Korg DS-DAC-10R. It is just coming out and the software is not out yet, but it looks like a nice product. It connects directly to your PC for digitizing. It is $600, i believe, which is less than the Tascam.

I do not have the Tascam but I do have a Korg MR-2000s. When you record, it recreates files that are a a maximum of 1 GB. A typical album side is greater than 1 GB, so I end up with a 1 GB file and maybe a .3 GB file. When I input the files into Korg's AudioGate software, it puts the files together into 1 file (1.3 GB in this case) and everything is fine. I do not think Tascam has software comparable to AudioGate, so you would have to have your processing software put them back together.

At 24/192 or DSD 128 I typically get a album side in well less than 2 GB. So, if you are worried about the software putting the files back together, you can just record one side at a time. If one side goes over 2 GB, you could have the Tascam create a new file for each track. You can do that with the Tascam's Auto Track function or by manually hitting the Record button (page 28 of the manual).

Hopefully you will get some input from a DA-3000 user with direct experience.

You might also want to look at the new Korg DS-DAC-10R. It is just coming out and the software is not out yet, but it looks like a nice product. It connects directly to your PC for digitizing. It is $600, i believe, which is less than the Tascam.

I was also looking at this device for digitizing vinyl. What concerns me is the use of 5532 op amps at the analog input and output of the device. I have auditioned op-amps like this via the tape loop of my Spectral DMC-10 pre-amp and they definitely detract from the SQ when listening to a good vinyl source. I would prefer all Class A discrete circuitry (like the Spectral uses) instead of 50 cent op-amps.

Anyone know of a digital audio recorder using discrete class A circuits? I could look for op-amp substitutes, but the amps in this device are surface mount so they are not easy to replace with discrete device op amps, or even with dual/single op amp converters for the AD797 or OPA627 single amp surface mount ICs.

I think Busman Audio has experience modding the Tascam. Not sure exactly what they replace, but you might want to talk to Chris about his experience. I know he did the Korg MR-2000s.

If you are interested in Spectral quality (and price) you can look at Merging Technologies Horus or the Grimm AD1. At an intermediate price, there is the Ayre QA-9. I am not familiar with the design of their input stages.