[Dixielandjazz] Turntables - Review of DAK

[AL LEVY]

Thanks to everyone who contributed info on buying
turntables to "create" cds. I decided to buy the products
sold by DAK. (Turntable / peramp / software)
The turntable is lightweight and uses Thorens cartridges
and they sell the 78 stylus already mounted in a seperate
cartridge. It has variable speed control + counter balance
and non skid controls. The resulting sound is what I was
looking for.
The preamp is a tinker toy but it certainly serves the
purpose. In my case I don't have too much space near
the computer so this preamp is small enough and
light enough to place it just about anywhere.
My original preamp / amp is too large and weighty to
use easily.
The software leaves a bit to be desired. I am using 
Soundforge for recording to the hard drive and Nero
to create the cds.
Rather than use Dak's Dr.Popper (removes pops and
clicks) I hand edit using Soundforge.
I am not sure yet how well "Tracker" works.
It is supposed to break a long recording (45 min tape)
into tracks. This probably depends on the noise created
by your computer. I'll let you know when I start recording
tapes onto my hard drive.
My opinion, for what it's worth - the resulting cd
has the warmth and sound of the original lp.
The directions all around are easy to follow.
I'll probably get to the 78s in a few months.

Cheers,
Al
Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Teacher and Music Prep.
Please visit me at
http://alevy.com