3.   Turntables

The next thing we need to consider is a reasonably good turntable, but once again not over the top.  I was quite surprised on how poor some of the upper market turntables were.  Almost all of them had unsecure ground leads, which resulted in humming, and a few of the models had accessive surface noise.  Overall, the Dual CS 455 Belt Drive was the best out of the upper market models.  I returned this model as they were some issues with surface sound and incorrect playing speed.  These were two problems that could have been fixed easily, but the shop I bought it from was reluctant in it's after sales service.  I had tried other tables including the famous Technics SL 1200 (direct drive), Rega P2 (belt drive), Pro-Ject 3 (belt drive) and the Sony PSLX 350H (belt drive).  The last three I returned, due to insecure ground leads.

After two years of trying different tables, I've finally settled on a Tecknics SL BD20D Belt Drive.  This model has no hum as it's ground lead is secure, very good sound dynamics, accurate playing speed and yet incredibly, it was cheap as this is Technics base market model.  I've had the unit for six months now and have no regrets. The controls feel a bit flimsy, but hay, if it sounds great, I couldn't care less.

4.   Phono-Prestage Amplifier (phono preamp)

The last component required for successful transferal of the audio, from your turntable to the computers soundcard is a phono-preamp.  They are a number of ways that this can be done, but the most suitable way is to use a separate phono-preamp such as the Rotel RQ970BX.  As the unit is specially designed to produce a higher quality signal over a ordinary amplifier, this will ensure a high quality signal transfer.  Again, this doesn't cost thousands.  These preamps sell for between AU$250-300 Australian.  You can purchase turntables that contain inbuilt preamps, but I wouldn't recommend the inbuilt preamps, as they are more of an add-hock addition.