15-Jan-2016, 21:44
(This post was last modified: 30-Jan-2016, 14:56 by seb.
Edit Reason: Added product
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(15-Jan-2016, 05:54)trashken Wrote: It's not the ideal path IMO. What if you want to upgrade the TT later? You're limiting yourself to those with USB out. Just save and get a decent A2D converter like the Pro-Ject A/D Phono Box S. Less is more.
You are right. In terms of flexibility it may be better for some to go for a turntable with a "classic" RCA Phono connector. This would also leave room for some improvements regarding the Phono stage and ADC. In fact most of the turntables with USB out have also a phono stage included and only Line out, so output quality may vary.
However the ADL Stratos as well as the ADL GT40a have a Phono Preamp included. In addition Stratos can convert to optical out (GT40a only coax!). Unfortunately there is a design flaw with the Pro-Ject A/D Phono Box S as it can only deliver optical out while actively being connected to a computer (also discussed here in the forum). Having said that I found two other ADC which might be of interest. Both are around USD 500. The third one I mention below is much more expensive.
The first also handles HDMI, but misses a phono stage:
http://www.essenceelectrostatic.com/product/hdacc/
The second is actually a music system (incl. amplifier and speakers) but it has a phono stage and optical out (which is a rare combination):
http://www.musicalfidelity.com/merlin/
If there are no budget restrictions, this one might be appealing (it has digital out but apparently no optical out):
http://www.psaudio.com/products/nuwave-phono-converter/
Update:
Another one that might be interesting (ca. USD 150), no phono stage but incl. a headphone preamp):
http://www.m-audio.com/products/view/sup...quQK2diAUE
Innuos Zen Mini MK3 -> (Ethernet / Audioquest Optical) -> Dialog & 2x White Phantom
Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Esprit Turntable with Ortofon Red -> (Cinch/RCA) Musical Fidelity Merlin -> (AudioQuest Optical) to Phantom
Master & Dynamics MH40, Audeze Sine, AudioQuest Dragonfly Red; Remote Control via macOS and iOS devices (Devialet App / Innuos Sense /iPeng / Audirvāna Studio)