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Best Way To Archive Vinyl On My PC

I have a metric $#%&load of vinyl that I'd like to archive on my PC. The native sound card has to go. I already have the PC-to-stereo big rig connection in place, and it functions. Now, I'd like to stereo-to-PC, so I can play all the vinyl using my good TT, into my PC. It looks like there's a movement afoot to go to PCI E sound cards. My current PC has only PCI sockets, so maybe USB is the way to go. I'm not sure. I'll probably go FLAC, WAV, etc. if I can find the space. Right now, all my tunes are high-bitrate MP3s, or M4As.

Any advice on this?
licoricepizza
licoricepizza OP
48 posts
 
Mp3 is nothing more than the name given to a compression algorithm. Songs off of an LP, in their native format, are WAV files. WAV files take up 10-20X the space of MP3 files, so they are difficult to email, take up huge tracts of space on hard drives, etc. The biggest thing, though, is that your average Joe just wants tunes, for background music, or whatever. Quality has no impact. For audiophiles, an uncompressed format is best. There is just more there, there. That's why many of us cling to our turntables, in the face of everything CD.
orpheus10
5,988 posts
 
Soundblaster Audigy 2 Z5 capturing to Wav line in, digital out to Music Streamer II. On a good record, I can't tell vinyl from digital. Now tell me all about it.
ghasley
382 posts
 
Orpheus10, thanks for the reply.

I'm not quite sure where to begin so I will take a pass on commenting on your setup. I'm glad you enjoy your archived vinyl and I am now more confident than ever that your digital and archived digital copies of your vinyl are virtually indistinguishable to your ears. You really do owe it to yourself however to demo a good USB dac in your system. Bypassing your sound card and listening to a ripped CD or downloaded high resolution digital might be a revelation to you. Of course, if after doing so you still prefer your current digital setup then you will be dollars ahead.

Best wishes and enjoy the music.
orpheus10
5,988 posts
 
The Music Streamer II is a USB DAC, and a ripped CD doesn't go through any sound card. I'm at a loss for words, I don't quite know how to respond?
ghasley
382 posts
 
Orpheus, I have been very polite, exceedingly so in my opinion and I would like to keep it that way.

Please note that I said GOOD USB dac....re:Ayre, Wavelength, ARC...there are so many good ones out there that you really should hear the difference if you love music. There is one for every budget as well, especially used.

You have found happiness in your setup and that is cool but for you to pop off about your digital setup is comical. Fire back if you really want to know what I think and I will oblige.....not that I am an expert by any stretch. Can you REALLY see Russia from your house?
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