TD3 said:

PurpleJedi said:

I fall into the category of the person with a stack of vinyl that wants to reminisce AND wants it to sound good. My ION sounds like CRAP, and honestly, puts me off to wanting to invest the time needed to reload the program(s) into my laptop to (hopefully) make it work right.

Considering that my buddy just dished out $300 for a watch, spending about that much on a turntable seems "right" to me.

What issues are you having with your ION specifically?

With ION turntables if you have good pair of speakers you can achieve a good sound out of it, include a computer EQ software and you are pretty much set. If you have a great pair of speakers you can make most sucky turntable sound good. I think you and I have the same model, even so stay away from turntable (USB or otherwise) that have a ceramic needle, always go with diamond. If you have one with ceramic needle you can replace it with a diamond... there's a guy on Ebay

NeedleDaddy -who sells cartridge/needles for every turntable ever made vintage and new.

I would also recommend downloading Audacity; use their software instead of what ION gave you. Cool thing is you can listen to your records without having to download them and you can clean up records, and edit... make breaks in between album tracks.

Another recommendation checkout Audioengine A5 Speakers, you can test them out for 30 days and if you don't like them, they can be returned. I bought a pair for my daughter for Christmas, good bang for your buck speakers. I would also recommend in purchasing good cables, you don't have to break the back but yes, they do make a difference.

=========================

[Edited 11/26/12 8:21am]

When I played back the recording I made, it sounded terrible. Granted, I played it through my crappy laptop speakers, but I also play mp3's on there and it sounds decent.

Maybe I'll try using Audacity. I couldn't get more than ONE track to record off my albums. Something was wrong with iTunes (the ION software is tied to iTunes).

I dunno. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

PurpleJedi said:

TD3 said:

What issues are you having with your ION specifically?

With ION turntables if you have good pair of speakers you can achieve a good sound out of it, include a computer EQ software and you are pretty much set. If you have a great pair of speakers you can make most sucky turntable sound good. I think you and I have the same model, even so stay away from turntable (USB or otherwise) that have a ceramic needle, always go with diamond. If you have one with ceramic needle you can replace it with a diamond... there's a guy on Ebay

NeedleDaddy -who sells cartridge/needles for every turntable ever made vintage and new.

I would also recommend downloading Audacity; use their software instead of what ION gave you. Cool thing is you can listen to your records without having to download them and you can clean up records, and edit... make breaks in between album tracks.

Another recommendation checkout Audioengine A5 Speakers, you can test them out for 30 days and if you don't like them, they can be returned. I bought a pair for my daughter for Christmas, good bang for your buck speakers. I would also recommend in purchasing good cables, you don't have to break the back but yes, they do make a difference.

=========================

[Edited 11/26/12 8:21am]

When I played back the recording I made, it sounded terrible. Granted, I played it through my crappy laptop speakers, but I also play mp3's on there and it sounds decent.

Maybe I'll try using Audacity. I couldn't get more than ONE track to record off my albums. Something was wrong with iTunes (the ION software is tied to iTunes).

I dunno. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

What Windows OS are you using on your notebook PJ? Did yours come ION come with EZ Audio Converter? I used my ION on a Mac before switching to Audacity. Maybe its a sofware issue; I tried the EZ Audio too had not problem with it but I wasn't crazy about it.

Don't toss out the ION just yet, keep the faith. Get you some decent speaks friend! Go to Best Buy and checkout their notebook/computer speakers (the one located next near the computers) with a subwoofer, you'll thank me later.

Instructions on how to rip vinyl to mp3 using Audacity.

TD3 said:

PurpleJedi said:

When I played back the recording I made, it sounded terrible. Granted, I played it through my crappy laptop speakers, but I also play mp3's on there and it sounds decent.

Maybe I'll try using Audacity. I couldn't get more than ONE track to record off my albums. Something was wrong with iTunes (the ION software is tied to iTunes).

I dunno. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

What Windows OS are you using on your notebook PJ? Did yours come ION come with EZ Audio Converter? I used my ION on a Mac before switching to Audacity. Maybe its a sofware issue; I tried the EZ Audio too had not problem with it but I wasn't crazy about it.

Don't toss out the ION just yet, keep the faith. Get you some decent speaks friend! Go to Best Buy and checkout their notebook/computer speakers (the one located next near the computers) with a subwoofer, you'll thank me later.

Instructions on how to rip vinyl to mp3 using Audacity.

...ok

unique said:

Cerebus said:

Well, there's two different sides to the sound quality conversation...

First, the argument that vinyl sounds better, period. As I said before, not going to get into that one. It's circular and pointless. Either you're willing to look at the technical specs and try to understand what you're hearing on vinyl verses what you hear on a compressed cd, or you're not. Beyond that, it just comes down to a subjective "what sounds best" to each persons ears, which is something that can't really be argued. But the truth is that, if you have an opinion on this subject, it's going to extend to whatever price range the equipment came from. A record on a cheap system still sounds like a record. Does it sound different if you spend more money? Yes, incrimentally at all levels. However...

actually a CD has a bigger dynamic range than a record. a record's sound is more compressed as a result

if you took the same money and spent it on a cd setup compared to vinyl, and both were properly calibrated, and played from the same amp and speaker setup for comparisson, you would have a better sound with the cd

on a budget system, which most people will have, you will get considerably better results from a cd than a record. it's only the pops and clicks and rumble and hiss that give away a record compared to a cd when the setup is calibrated properly

Nope. Thank you for proving my point, but I'm not getting into it.

I don't care what you have a crappy sound system produces subpar music. Though these days you don't have to break the bank to have a solid system that produces a superior sound/tone. I"m still banging on my Grundig Werke Console... the fidelity of this system would blow anyone loved ones out of their graves.

----------------------------------------

[Edited 11/26/12 18:13pm]

Cerebus said:

unique said:

actually a CD has a bigger dynamic range than a record. a record's sound is more compressed as a result

if you took the same money and spent it on a cd setup compared to vinyl, and both were properly calibrated, and played from the same amp and speaker setup for comparisson, you would have a better sound with the cd

on a budget system, which most people will have, you will get considerably better results from a cd than a record. it's only the pops and clicks and rumble and hiss that give away a record compared to a cd when the setup is calibrated properly

Nope. Thank you for proving my point, but I'm not getting into it.

I knew it was coming. Personally, I prefer the sound of vinyl.

TD3 said:

I don't care what you have a crappy sound system produces subpar music. Though these days you don't have to break the bank to have a solid system that produces a superior sound/tone. I"m still banging on my Grundig Werke Console... the fidelity of this system would blow anyone loved ones out of their graves.

----------------------------------------

[Edited 11/26/12 18:13pm]

Funny you should say that. I've been trying out a new deck/earphone combination. Slipmats that came with it are a bit thick and rubbery but I'll get used to it all.

Fonkyman said:

TD3 said:

I don't care what you have a crappy sound system produces subpar music. Though these days you don't have to break the bank to have a solid system that produces a superior sound/tone. I"m still banging on my Grundig Werke Console... the fidelity of this system would blow anyone loved ones out of their graves.

----------------------------------------

[Edited 11/26/12 18:13pm]

Funny you should say that. I've been trying out a new deck/earphone combination. Slipmats that came with it are a bit thick and rubbery but I'll get used to it all.

OH, you got jokes.

PurpleJedi said:

TD3 said:

What issues are you having with your ION specifically?

With ION turntables if you have good pair of speakers you can achieve a good sound out of it, include a computer EQ software and you are pretty much set. If you have a great pair of speakers you can make most sucky turntable sound good. I think you and I have the same model, even so stay away from turntable (USB or otherwise) that have a ceramic needle, always go with diamond. If you have one with ceramic needle you can replace it with a diamond... there's a guy on Ebay

NeedleDaddy -who sells cartridge/needles for every turntable ever made vintage and new.

I would also recommend downloading Audacity; use their software instead of what ION gave you. Cool thing is you can listen to your records without having to download them and you can clean up records, and edit... make breaks in between album tracks.

Another recommendation checkout Audioengine A5 Speakers, you can test them out for 30 days and if you don't like them, they can be returned. I bought a pair for my daughter for Christmas, good bang for your buck speakers. I would also recommend in purchasing good cables, you don't have to break the back but yes, they do make a difference.

=========================

[Edited 11/26/12 8:21am]

When I played back the recording I made, it sounded terrible. Granted, I played it through my crappy laptop speakers, but I also play mp3's on there and it sounds decent.

Maybe I'll try using Audacity. I couldn't get more than ONE track to record off my albums. Something was wrong with iTunes (the ION software is tied to iTunes).

I dunno. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

I don't know anything about recording something into a computer but check to see if there is a recording volume level. You never know, it may be something as simple as the volume level while recording might be turned down too low.

vainandy said:

PurpleJedi said:

When I played back the recording I made, it sounded terrible. Granted, I played it through my crappy laptop speakers, but I also play mp3's on there and it sounds decent.

Maybe I'll try using Audacity. I couldn't get more than ONE track to record off my albums. Something was wrong with iTunes (the ION software is tied to iTunes).

I dunno. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

I don't know anything about recording something into a computer but check to see if there is a recording volume level. You never know, it may be something as simple as the volume level while recording might be turned down too low.

Totally forgot about that Andy. Here's the link how to make sure your sound/recording preferences are correctly set-up.

http://www.ionaudio.com/usb-turntable-and-cassette-faq#Playback_and_Recording

TD3 said:

vainandy said:

I don't know anything about recording something into a computer but check to see if there is a recording volume level. You never know, it may be something as simple as the volume level while recording might be turned down too low.

Totally forgot about that Andy. Here's the link how to make sure your sound/recording preferences are correctly set-up.

http://www.ionaudio.com/usb-turntable-and-cassette-faq#Playback_and_Recording

I have a CD recorder which is a stereo component that works just like a cassette deck. You actually sit there and record other sources onto a CD just like you used to record a cassette tape. Sometimes I plug my laptop into the stereo and record the audio from youtube videos onto CDs. Many a time, I would notice that my volume wasn't very loud and I'd turn my laptop volume all the way up as well as my volume on the youtube video and then adjust my recording level on the CD recorder. But yeah, it's very easy to overlook that the volume needs to be turned up when you get ready to record.

Cerebus said:

unique said:

actually a CD has a bigger dynamic range than a record. a record's sound is more compressed as a result

if you took the same money and spent it on a cd setup compared to vinyl, and both were properly calibrated, and played from the same amp and speaker setup for comparisson, you would have a better sound with the cd

on a budget system, which most people will have, you will get considerably better results from a cd than a record. it's only the pops and clicks and rumble and hiss that give away a record compared to a cd when the setup is calibrated properly

Nope. Thank you for proving my point, but I'm not getting into it.

i haven't proven your point, i've shown you were wrong

TD3 said:

phunkdaddy said:

One thing i need to do. I know mine are a good 20 years old.

Damn i know those Audioengine speakers must be the shit like Bose

speakers for the price. It's time for me to invest in a new pair of those

as well but i can't swing 400 hundred.

[Edited 11/26/12 7:33am]

Good cable does wonders, I like Mogami and Mediabrige. Defiantly opposite ends of the cost spectrum but budget minded Mediabrige cables are solid. Both brands are over at Amazon.

Oh, those A5's are bang-in! They came yesterday and I tested them out on my computer, my stereo set, USB ION Profile Pro, and Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntables, unbelievable. As I said, a crappy turntable can be improved greatly with a good pair of speakers. Hell, if Brett hadn't told me what she wanted, I'd keep these for my damn self. When you get ready to upgrade your speakers phunkdaddy, save up for these they are worth it and then some; your analogy in comparing to Bose, spot on... without Bose price.

=======================

[Edited 11/26/12 8:24am]

I happened to see an ad in a magazine i have for the Bose system and it's only 100 dollars

more without all the wires and mess. My aunt bought her's with her to our family reunion

this past summer and it's nice but she was making that coin like that before she retired

last year.

If you're just looking for a simple record player, Crosley makes them and they aren't super expensive. The one I have plays vinyls, CDS, cassette tapes, and MP3 players. They also make one that can convert your vinyls to CDs. I'm not trying to be a DJ. I just want to listen to my vinyls.

unique said:

Cerebus said:

Nope. Thank you for proving my point, but I'm not getting into it.

i haven't proven your point, i've shown you were wrong

No you didn't. You presented no quantifiable facts or evidence. You simply stated an opinion based on what you subjectively believe to be the truth, same as everybody else does. And if you supply facts, I assure you I can supply some that will say exactly the opposite, which I why I won't get into it.

Beyond that, I don't agree with your opinion in the slightest. Vinyl sounds far better on a budget system than cd or mp3.

Cerebus said:

unique said:

i haven't proven your point, i've shown you were wrong

No you didn't. You presented no quantifiable facts or evidence. You simply stated an opinion based on what you subjectively believe to be the truth, same as everybody else does. And if you supply facts, I assure you I can supply some that will say exactly the opposite, which I why I won't get into it.

Beyond that, I don't agree with your opinion in the slightest. Vinyl sounds far better on a budget system than cd or mp3.

it's not an opinion, it's a fact, and you can check those facts yourself if you don't believe them as they are measureable and documented ones

estelle81 said:

If you're just looking for a simple record player, Crosley makes them and they aren't super expensive. The one I have plays vinyls, CDS, cassette tapes, and MP3 players. They also make one that can convert your vinyls to CDs. I'm not trying to be a DJ. I just want to listen to my vinyls.

Ya know wa'..?

I've seen the Crosley units at Target and have been tempted.

How's the SOUND???

PurpleJedi said:

estelle81 said:

If you're just looking for a simple record player, Crosley makes them and they aren't super expensive. The one I have plays vinyls, CDS, cassette tapes, and MP3 players. They also make one that can convert your vinyls to CDs. I'm not trying to be a DJ. I just want to listen to my vinyls.

Ya know wa'..?

I've seen the Crosley units at Target and have been tempted.

How's the SOUND???

I'm gonna help you out once and for all because I know you aren't feeling the ION.

The Crosley is as good as your ION....

Need a budget turntable and some speakers push come to shove get this is one of the best cheap USB/Turntable: Audio Technica AT-LP60 (review) http://www.youtube.com/wa...1cWuE16k5k

I recommended you get some speakers with a subwoofer but here's an other options and probably a better one.

Bookshelf speakers: M-Audio Stereophile AV30 speakers or M-Audio Sterophile AV40 speakers. I'd say go with the AV40's but if your money it tight AV30's are fine. Damn good speakers.

There's your setup, done, finished, through, the end.

TD3 said:

PurpleJedi said:

Ya know wa'..?

I've seen the Crosley units at Target and have been tempted.

How's the SOUND???

I'm gonna help you out once and for all because I know you aren't feeling the ION.

The Crosley is as good as your ION....

Need a budget turntable and some speakers push come to shove get this is one of the best cheap USB/Turntable: Audio Technica AT-LP60 (review) http://www.youtube.com/wa...1cWuE16k5k

I recommended you get some speakers with a subwoofer but here's an other options and probably a better one.

Bookshelf speakers: M-Audio Stereophile AV30 speakers or M-Audio Sterophile AV40 speakers. I'd say go with the AV40's but if your money it tight AV30's are fine. Damn good speakers.

There's your setup, done, finished, through, the end.

Alright then! I'mma check on that and if the dollars work out, I'll let you know how it goes.

PurpleJedi said:

estelle81 said:

If you're just looking for a simple record player, Crosley makes them and they aren't super expensive. The one I have plays vinyls, CDS, cassette tapes, and MP3 players. They also make one that can convert your vinyls to CDs. I'm not trying to be a DJ. I just want to listen to my vinyls.

Ya know wa'..?

I've seen the Crosley units at Target and have been tempted.

How's the SOUND???

Compared to the 1980s, beat down, old school with separate speakers record player I had before I got the Crosley, the sound is amazing. I think for the price, Crosley is a good record player if you just want to listen to vinyls and not dole out big bucks for it. Plus, the units don't take up loads of space. I live in a small studio apartment. I need some space to keep my clastrophobia at bay . I already have a wall dedicated to my VHS tape collection; can't afford to give up another wall just for a record player.

PurpleJedi said:

TD3 said:

I'm gonna help you out once and for all because I know you aren't feeling the ION.

The Crosley is as good as your ION....

Need a budget turntable and some speakers push come to shove get this is one of the best cheap USB/Turntable: Audio Technica AT-LP60 (review) http://www.youtube.com/wa...1cWuE16k5k

I recommended you get some speakers with a subwoofer but here's an other options and probably a better one.

Bookshelf speakers: M-Audio Stereophile AV30 speakers or M-Audio Sterophile AV40 speakers. I'd say go with the AV40's but if your money it tight AV30's are fine. Damn good speakers.

There's your setup, done, finished, through, the end.

Alright then! I'mma check on that and if the dollars work out, I'll let you know how it goes.

Correction make sure you look at the Audio Technica AT-LP60USB because the other version of this turntable requires a receiver. http://www.youtube.com/wa...Zi7d6j8aQ0

This is a Pinto budget set-up, but it will get you were you wanna go for now.

---------------------------------------------------

[Edited 12/2/12 9:51am]