PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter ADC

[Rust]

I've been in need of, or more accurately badly wanted, a new phono preamp for quite some time. Probably two years now. Started really thinking about it for a couple of months.

So today I pulled out the plastic and bought a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter ADC. What finally pushed me in this direction is that in addition to having a well regarded phono section, it also comes with a well regarded ADC section that will do phono and line level in at up to 24/196 or double DSD.

Even though I don't have a DAC yet. No matter a starter DAC is cheap. What I want to do is archive some LPs that I get nervous about every time I pull them out at 24/96. The other thing is archive some cassettes that I either picked up from around the world or recorded myself that simply are not replaceable.

It will require some rearranging, probably have to build a rack so as to conveniently locate everything but I have enough woodworking stuff out in the garage. The trick is finding suitable materials like Baltic birch and Plyboo. And I've been putting off building new record storage units for a couple of years.

And finally, does anyone have recommendations for PC based recording software? I plan on recording in PCM but may mess around with DSD at some later (probably much later) date.

[JCOConnell]

I recommend a $45 program called Goldwave for PC based digital audio recording and editing. its excellent. google goldwave for more info.
Since goldwave lets you select the record and playback devices separately, you should be able to use the pc DAC for playback, and the phonostage ADC for recording. you can download the goldwave software for free and evaluate it to make sure it works for you before you buy it.

PS. Goldwave does not do DSD

[Andy]

And finally, does anyone have recommendations for PC based recording software? I plan on recording in PCM but may mess around with DSD at some later (probably much later) date.

Vinyl Studio

http://www.alpinesoft.co.uk/

Does both PCM and DSD; I've been using it for a couple of years - terrific piece of software that has many features. And I think it's what Fremer uses for his conversions for streaming.
And it pairs especially well with the PS Audio NPC.

[JCOConnell]

Vinyl Studio

http://www.alpinesoft.co.uk/

Does both PCM and DSD; I've been using it for a couple of years - terrific piece of software that has many features. And I think it's what Fremer uses for his conversions for streaming.
And it pairs especially well with the PS Audio NPC.

vinyl studio can record and playback dsd but it cannot edit in any way without first converting back to pcm, so whats the point.

[Chris F]

vinyl studio can record and playback dsd but it cannot edit in any way without first converting back to pcm, so whats the point.

This is normal. Due to the 1bit nature of DSD it's difficult to directly edit in the digital domain and few tools exist. Most professional software (Merging, Pyramix) use 24 bit/384Khz PCM (aka: DXD) as the intermediary format when editing DSD.

With my TASCAM DA-3000 I find that recording to DSD128 and then converting to PCM sounds better than recording to PCM directly.

[Rust]

I took delivery of the PS Audio which seems to be a well built piece of gear but now one of Murphys Audio Rules seems to have arrived. My somewhat ancient Sumiko Blackbird is biting the dust. I've substituted a not so old with not a lot of playing time Grado Gold which does not have quite the top end air (rising frequency response?) but it does have a rich midrange (excellent on vocals). It may not be the last word in archiving some recordings though.

But since dropping my budget on the phono amp I won't be buying a for me, upscale cartridge in the near future.

[JCOConnell]

I took delivery of the PS Audio which seems to be a well built piece of gear but now one of Murphys Audio Rules seems to have arrived. My somewhat ancient Sumiko Blackbird is biting the dust. I've substituted a not so old with not a lot of playing time Grado Gold which does not have quite the top end air (rising frequency response?) but it does have a rich midrange (excellent on vocals). It may not be the last word in archiving some recordings though.

But since dropping my budget on the phono amp I won't be buying a for me, upscale cartridge in the near future.

Don't you just hate it when quality hi fi gear bites the dust, especially when its irreplaceable.

[Rust]

Don't you just hate it when quality hi fi gear bites the dust, especially when its irreplaceable.

JC - Not exactly. The cartridge is replaceable. What is not replaceable is the amount of time it will take to scratch together funds to obtain and equal or better quality cartridge. It will probably be next year.

[tom_hankins]

I feel your pain. Trying to figure out how to come up with cartridge money too.

[JCOConnell]

JC - Not exactly. The cartridge is replaceable. What is not replaceable is the amount of time it will take to scratch together funds to obtain and equal or better quality cartridge. It will probably be next year.

If you don't have the bucks to buy a new one, then its irreplaceable.