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RE: Digital recorder question

The "problem" is related to the input sensitivity of your phono stage relative to your phono cartridge/SUT output (whatever your configuration) and the level of the signal being fed from the phono pre to your DA-3000.

However, you shouldn't worry about the resolution of the signal being encoded - the ADC of the DA-3000 is actually sampling the analogue signal in DSD and then decimating that digitized signal to PCM in whatever format you have selected if you select PCM rather than DSD as the data output format. Although the dynamic range of even 16 bit will still exceed the vinyl noise floor I would suggest sticking to 24 bit PCM as the recording format and then dithering to 16 bit later if you want RB versions to burn on a CD-R rather than coding directly in 16 bit as you would need to add dither later on the post-processing phase....although these days why not just stream or playback via PC in the full high resolution format from your storage to the DAC?

The analogue stage of the DA-3000 is not bad, but is easily bettered by alternatives. I have the DA-3000 (although it has now failed) and many years ago still preferred using my Benchmark ADC1USB as the ADC and feeding the digital output to the DA-3000 which functioned purely as a storage device to enable me to record at higher than 24/96 (the limit via USB from the Benchmark) to my PC. The sound was a bit shut-in and slightly coloured compared to the Benchmark which was very transparent by comparison.
Nowadays I have an RME ADI-2ProFS as my ADC although I could happily live with my Korg DS-DAC-10R which elimintes the need for a phono stage altogether as you connect the turntable directly and the EQ is done digitally (as well as offering multiple historical curves including Columbia and Decca). The Korg has a huge input overload margin (>40dB) and can record in 32 bit float which obviates the need to worry about setting level as I can fully correct in post-processing.
Sound quality wise, removing the phono stage from the equation gives pinpoint soundstaging and wide detailed images - I can't go back to using a phono stage now although the Korg can record at line level direct from you phono stage if you prefer. The Korg uses the same ADC chip as the DA-3000 just in a much better package that can be had from eBay for less than USD300 direct from Japan often with free shipping. Sound quality is very good IMO and very close to my other ADCs (Benchmark, RME) although they are limited by the phono stage.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats


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