Ion Audio intros two new USB turntables

If you're like us (and we suspect you are), you have huge stacks of obscure, 1970's prog-rock on vinyl that you're unable to enjoy while jogging, biking, or road-tripping to Bonnaroo -- and that's harshing your mellow. Well, harsh no more, friends, because Ion Audio is here to help. The hardware manufacturer has just released two new variations on its iTTUSB USB turntable, the iTTUSB05 (pictured, $149.99) and the iTTUSB10 ($249.99). Both models feature 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback, Line-level RCA outputs (utilizing a built-in preamp), EZ Vinyl recording software, and plug & play USB connectivity. The iTTUSB10 can also convert 78 RPM records via software trickery, and can digitize other media through its 1/8-inch stereo input (finally, you can convert all those cassette mixtapes from your exes). Of course, there are more expensive or more confusing options for this sort of thing, and pricey add-ons you might want -- but for a cheap, fast solution, this is definitely worth a glance.

[Jesse S @ Jul 17th 2007 1:46AM]

These things are terrible. The only way to get good rips from vinyl is to get a good turntable, the best needle you can get, and a mint-condition record, then hook the phono stage-out to something such as a computer, and use audacity to record it.

These are a waste of money, and are definitely not audiophile-quality.

[Alvin @ Jul 17th 2007 2:28AM]

>>then hook the phono stage-out
>>to something such as a computer

Assuming you have a proper soundcard. Depending on what kind of pickup system your table uses, the phono out will be a little weaker than mic-level. The A/D Converters in soundcards are usually terrible, and the mic preamps even worse. A tube preamp designed for phono-level into either (a) another preamp to line level, then A/D convert, or (b) into one of those super expensive 192KHz/24-bit ADC Firewire units will yield the best sound.

[Jesse S @ Jul 17th 2007 2:34AM]

I know, I was just trying to be simple. I myself have not done it, as I have not owned a turntable in a long time. I got a friend of mine to do that for me.

[DJ Dead Sirius @ Jul 17th 2007 2:31AM]

I agree, all these USB turntables are gimmicks. You should invest in a good external soundcard for recording

[Tavis Veighey @ Jul 17th 2007 2:34AM]

I have their current model and I am really happy with it! Of course even under "Perfect" conditions you will NOT get CD quality copies. (Ony a moron would think this)

I have several albums that are only available on Vinyl. So far the sound quality is really good!

[DoctorRad @ Jul 17th 2007 6:12AM]

>>>> Of course even under "Perfect" conditions you will NOT get CD quality copies. (Ony a moron would think this)

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 17th 2007 6:38AM]

Do not speak ill of Emerson Lake and Palmer.

You can make fun of Marillion all you like, but leave the good stuff alone.

[ambanmba @ Jul 17th 2007 8:51AM]

I recently "digitised" some old 78rpm records using some of the equipment described above as "more expensive." While you can get software that will let you play 78rpm records at 33rpm on player without the 78rpm setting - one should keep in mind that 78rpm records need a different stylus because they have wider grooves. At the risk of being accused of blog-spamming, I have done a little writeup of my experience including some sample audio so that you can see what is possible (straight off the needle and also with some open source audio restoration software). http://www.ambor.com/public/78rpm/78rpm.html

[Ray Romanczuk @ Jul 18th 2007 4:12PM]

"Software trickery" or not, trying to play a 78 RPM disc with a modern needle wrecks the machine and makes the disc unplayable afterwards. These machines are just crap with 10% added convenience.

[Ramabhadran @ Aug 4th 2007 10:04PM]

Ion Audio's introduction are incredible. I came across your add regarding cassette converter. Realyy wonderful.
Do you have such device for conversion of spool tapes.

Ramabhadran