abraxas

dtc - Thanks for your suggestion. I will give a try to see if I can simplify my process.

I undertake this task several times with different hardware and software. As the time spent for a LP is about 2,5h it is better to do the good choice from the beginning. Now I'm satisfied of my setup which lead to digital files that keep the good analogue sound of my discs. Here is: CARTRIDGE: Benz Micro ACE SL TONEARM: Dynavector DV505 PRE-AMP PHONO: Ray Samuels F-117 Nighthawk These three components produce the line level signal. For digitizing my setup is: A/D CONVERTER: Apogee Duet 2 SOFTWARE FOR RECORDING: Izotope RX5 (the base version is OK, value=249$) Izotope RX5 allows for click and pops cleaning up (default settings for vinyl are provided). Also noise reduction and equalization is possible for advanced users. The batch processing function in Izotope RX5 allows to perform the cleaning overnight (it is a processing consuming task) on several recordings. Then the less automated tasks: cutting the file in files corresponding to disc tracks and adding names to the files and meta-data. Just now I didn't find a better process than the one I will describe below. If someone has an idea ..... TRACK SPLITTING: Wavecorrector; a PC only software that I use on the mac through Windows 7 on Parallels. This is the only PC-based task. You could put names on track here, but I prefer to do that latter. Wavecorrector support files with a maximum resolution of 24 bits/96 kHz. Think to save in this resolution after recording in RX5 (Save as file format=WAVE; Set Output options = 24 bits, Dithering=Noise shaping (MBIT+)) TRACK PROCESSING: I use the Media Rage software Tools/"Media Converter" to convert WAVE files into AIFF files because AIFF support meta-data. I use Media Rage to add meta-data using Tools/"Quick edit multiple files". If you named the file with the disc track name ex: "Bach - BWV 639 Prelude de Choral.aiff" then the meta-data title of the track will be "Bach - BWV 639 Prelude de Choral". Sorry for the long post but it is not a simple process to digitize. I requested the cut feature in RX5 as this feature would simplify the process. Perhaps a day ....

Hi Mani, I would be also interested in HiRez files. I'm starting the digitization of my vinyl collection (3000 discs); so I would be interested in sharing records that are not longer under copyright. How to do it ? Files are huge. I'm finally getting good results with the following system: ANALOG: Turntable: Clearaudio Concept Cartidge : Denon DL-304 (MC) Step-Up Transformer: DENON AU300LC CAN : Apogee Duet (Firewire) for 24bits & 96 KHz conversion (very good value) (NOTE: The Apogee Duet 2 (USB) is 24bits 192 KHz conversion but no plans to acquire yet) DIGITAL Recording with Audacity (on an iMac) Digital restoration with Izotope RX2 that is in my opinion the best software for cleaning clicks and noise (I tried a lot before getting this conclusion). Library on iTunes Playing the HiRez files from iTunes on a Linn Sneaky Streamer over Ethernet (supports all file formats and up 24bits and 192 KHz). The Sneaky has been replaced recently by the Kiko system. Discs are cleaned up in a ultrasonic bath of alcohol isopropanol pure (IPA) and then with a vacuum machine (Moth) using a 50% distilled water and 50% isopropanol.

OK. Thanks. As my entire library is on iTunes for me it is equivalent. I use Songcast anyway. I saw the KIKO description. Unfortunately the price is positioned higher than Sneaky was (twice ?). The Sneaky is still found in e-bay in new and used condition. I do not if the KIKO sound quality is equivalent or better than the Sneaky.

Well, before Songcast it was not possible to drive the DS using Airplay. After installing Songcast it is possible to see in the "speakers" selection the following: I do not know what differences are in using one or another.

I'm starting this thread after conclusive 6 month testing of the Linn Sneaky DS device which is the lower end of the Linn DS family. I was looking for a DAC Airplay enabled, mainly because all my collection which consist of about 3000 vinyl LP's converted in 24bits & 96 KHz is included in iTunes. In fact the Linn Sneaky is not airplay enabled. Rather there is an interface software termed SONGCAST (provided by Linn) that do an equivalent job. After installing SONGCAST in your computer you can send the high resolution flow to the Linn Sneaky (or to other Linn DS devices) as it were an Airplay enabled device. The Linn Sneaky is 24 Bits 192 KHz enabled with decoding ALAC capability (the apple loss-lest format) so, the best companion to iTunes high resolution files. Most of the best DAC devices do not have Ethernet connection and the ones that have this feature do not are in the audiophile range. It seems that unfortunately the Sneaky is not longer available (I was looking for a second device). In my opinion the Linn DS family is a very good option for the computerized music which can get the best of the analogue world (as myself that have a vinyl collection) and the digital world. Ah, the sound is the Linn sound ... gorgeous !!

I was about sell my Linn Sneaky because my music library is on iTunes and I was disappointed with uPnP servers and other alternatives like Kinsky requiring a lot of work to run properly. I google some minutes to see if Linn was releasing something else to simplify the use of my library. And yes, I find that Linn released SONGCAST; the introduction on the Linn site states: "Songcast for Mac will allow your Mac to send audio to any Songcast receiver in your home. When Songcast is switched on, any audio that is produced by any application running on your Mac will be sent to selected Songcast receivers. For example, the audio from iTunes, Spotify, Safari can now be sent to any Linn DS in your home". I have to say that I was interested but sceptic as Linn software has been often buggy. But I give a tray: I download and installed Songcast in my Mac running Lion (10.7.3) I download and launch the last version of Linn Konfig for Mac In Konfig an update of the firmware was proposed; this should enable Songcast capability on my Sneaky. I Updated. In Konfig I look on the "configuration" tab on the sneaky and set Songcast specific configuration: Sources/Songcast; Visible = Yes Startup Source = Songcast I open the Songcast preferences and I find my device listed on it. I turn Songcast ON. I open iTunes and start paying a track ..... and THAT WORKS !!... WOW the Linn sound was there !! This time Linn developers made a remarkable job. Sneaky not to be sold any more ! One question remains: I was expecting that iTunes do not detect songcast in a way similar to Airfoil (as it is not claimed to be an Airplay application) but it is not the case. In the "speakers" menu on iTunes I see: Borne NAD is an airport device connected to a NAD amplifier. This is OK (and work without interference also) AND there is the Main Room Sneaky which is identified by iTunes as an Airport Express device. Even if the "Main Room Sneaky" is not selected the music is being sent properly to the Sneaky. Someone have more information about this ??

My first Duet had an awful noise when selecting 24/96. It was replaced by a new unit on which this problem was solved. However some noise problems remain. Part of the problems were solved by eliminating the "ground loop" by isolating the ground plug for all the equipments (preamps, amps; bad practice I now). An important part of the remaining noise was produced by a faulty laptop power supply. Also an old CD drive when powered produced an audible noise. As a conclusion every piece of hardware involving a switching mode power supply can generate lots of noise and only a patient search allow for identifying the origin. My system is free of noise now: iMac + Duet + Linn Kairn + Linn LK85. And ... I'm very happy of having the Duet; nice soundstage, rich bass, high frequencies a bit crisp but not impacting the pleasure of the audition. I use the Duet to digitize my vinyl collection together with Adobe Audition for declicking and denoising. The result is very good.