My LP of Roland Kirk's Blacknuss has amazingly good sound quality imo, and there is no surface noise anywhere other than one spot where it skips. Is there any way I can fix this skipping, or is it a lost cause?
I should mention that I record my records onto my computer so I only have to clean them and rip them once. The convenience aspect doesn't bother me because of this. I haven't been able to compare a ripped copy to listening straight off the vinyl because of my equipment, but I will when I get my DBX quantum and better TT.
I save a ton of money because I can get so many great records for 2-3 dollars each. I thought the pops and clicks would annoy me, but they're usually just at the very beginning of the record. And even when they're not I don't really mind.
Why not buy an old idler wheel table (Garrard, Thorens, or Lenco) on ebay and restore it? I've read lots of accounts about how when done properly these TT's better newer TT's costing above 10k. It'd probably be a fun project too.
I ended up getting a DBX Quantum off ebay. Here's some a quantum II (couldn't find any other than the small pic in the ad) http://www.rmcaudio.com/dbx/pics/quantumii_lrg.htm
Not sure what the differences are with the II, but I know the people at Zu use one as a dac at some shows. Now I just need some 1/4 -> RCA cables...