Turntable recommendations for vinyl to digital music files

[jveezer]

I have a Audio Technica LP120-USB turntable, which seems to be a "USB Device" that does not allow level adjustment, which even the cheapest tapedecks had in the days of cassettes. What is the use of that? The one attempt I made to convert to mp3 files resulted in very low level, very treble-ly files that were unlistenable. Maddeningly, in searching the internet I haven't found one USB turntable whose specs tell me whether this seemingly important feature is part of their capabilities. I'm (trying to) use VinylStudio on a Mac.

Can anyone point me to turntables (or other components) that will allow me to make high quality mp3s, or preferable FLAC, files from my vinyl? Bonus points if the turntables are still available new on the market and if they are not in the four figure range...

Thanks!

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

They are all rubbish.  Something like the NAD PP 4 with a conventional turntable (maybe second hand) is the way to go.

The NAD controls the level via a knob on the front.

[jveezer]

Ahh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

I don't think NAD have made a great job of marketing it 🤷�♂️

[Andy Morris]

What happens if you adjust the volume in Sound Settings -> Device properties? 

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

Nothing useful - it's a sham and VinylStudio bypasses it.

[LtMandella]

Ahh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!

I can recommend the IFI phono preamp also.  It supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges and has a highly useful rumble filter.  I use it with a MusicHall MF 7.1 tt.  Sounds wonderful. That cartridge and preamp combination beat my Grado gold/Creek preamp by a lot...

[Lewis]

I can recommend the IFI phono preamp also.

Hi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.

[LtMandella]

not phone. phono preamp with RIAA eq.

[LtMandella]

Hi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.

Not noisy with my cartridge, amps, and speakers.
I do use an Ultrasonic cleaning for all my LPs...

[Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft)]

You will all no doubt be pleased to hear that I have banned Lewis.  We don't need that here.