Archiving DATs to computer or server HD

Regarding all of the above, I think that audio is entering a new age --- the computer audio age. I am over 70, and grew up in a world where the word "computer' didn't even exist. My computer knowledge is about that of an average 10 year old -- and that's me bragging ! For audio applications, there is just no place to go for specific advice. People who work in audio shops don't know the answers to these questions. Memphis Tennessee, where I live, a city of over a half million, has zero high-end audio stores. Computer shop employees look at you like you are crazy. Some people on the internet actually insult and ridicule you. What the high-end world needs now, is a new breed of computer audio consultants. People who you can hire, who will come to your house, access your system and your needs and tell you exactly what you need to buy. Then your consultant would return to you when the gear arrives, and help you set up and get started. I wish that some sharp computer wiz IT types out there would do this. I'll be their first customer, and I would pay them well. JTV

For a digital recorder you might look at the Tascam DR-100mkII. It is a portable recorder with a digital input. It records to a SD disk. To move the files to a PC you can either copy them over the USB or move the SD card to the PC and copy them with Explorer. Either of the Sony HAP music servers would be a good option for a player without having to learn a PC player app. It will copy your PC files to the music server. The DR-100mkII has a feature to automatically separate tracks, which should work pretty well with digital files. You can tag the tracks with the Sony music server.

Another simpler option is a CD recorder. It takes in either a digital or analog signal and writes a CD-R or CD-RW which can be played in any CD player that plays CD-RW or CD-R discs. The TASCAM CD-RW 900MKII is a good option, It has both digital and analog inputs, can separate tracks automatically and you can enter titles for the CD and the tracks. The disadvantage is that it only takes 44.1 K digital inputs. To do 48 K tapes you would have to convert them to analog and let the Tascam convert it to 44 K digital. Once you have the tracks on the CD-R (or RW) you will be able to transfer them to a PC player in the future if you want. The unit will also play back the disks using its analog outputs or its digital outputs to a DAC.

So, there are options. Unfortuatelely, I agree that it is often hard to find local help. This type of conversion is not common for the average local big box PC or TV/audio store.

Any decisions?

Thanks Dtc -- I've made note of all the suggestions that I have received and I appreciate them all. I've found an interface that should work for digital transfers into Pure Vinyl on my MacBook pro. I could use an external hard drive for more storage if needed. But, I'm going to wait a few months to see if any of the audio mags write a review of the Cocktail Audio X40. This device would do everything that I need all in one package, and I could easily transport it back-and-forth to western NC where we spend part of the year. When I actually do something, I'll let you know how it works. JTV